The PhD student will work with current and relevant challenges for society linked to the digitalisation of forestry within the forestry value chain. The PhD student project will contribute to developing new and improved estimates of forest variables (state and changes) as well as to mapping and forecasting forest damage for next-generation dynamic forest maps and forest management plans using remote sensing data in combination with field data. The project will include the analysis of remote sensing data collected from instruments mounted on towers, drones, aircrafts, and satellites for the possibility of up-scaling to cover larger geographical areas. Field data will be collected to be used as reference data and include traditional forest measurements as well as tree physiology measurements, and data from harvesters. Mainly radar data will be used, but data from laser and optical instruments will also be included as important data sources depending on the research application. An important part is to investigate how radar data can be used to measure forest water dynamics, which can be used to improve the estimation of forest variables and early detection of forest damage. The doctoral student is expected to be responsible for the practical fieldwork. Central parts of the work are writing and publishing both scientific articles and popular science articles as well as disseminating the research results. Furthermore, the PhD student will participate in both national and international projects and meetings. The PhD student will also collaborate with national and foreign experts in remote sensing. Since the studies generate large amounts of data, the doctoral student will also seek collaboration with the cutting-edge research environment DISA at the university.
The successful applicant shows high motivation and interest in the research topic. The applicant must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a subject relevant to the position, such as forestry science, biology, technology, remote sensing and/or statistics. Proven communication skills in written and spoken English are important, as well as a good ability to work independently and in a group. A driver’s license is a requirement for the position.
Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter by March 31, 2023. Job interviews will be planned for April 2023.