PhD Candidate Biodiversity Monitoring for Climate Change Impacts Using Remote Sensing

Are you an emerging scientist driven by scientific curiosity to discover and learn? Are you interested in unravelling the intricate nexus between climate change stressors and biodiversity? Are you passionate about processing and analysing multi-sourced Earth Observation data for vulnerable ecosystems in Europe?

Then, join our PhD program to use Earth Observation and spatial science in pioneering biodiversity conservation strategies for climate change adaptation.

Monitoring ecosystem function and structure is essential for understanding biodiversity changes and assessing the impact of climate change on ecological processes. Yet, there are numerous gaps in our understanding of how climate change impacts biodiversity, particularly through ecosystem functioning and structure changes. Under a flagship Horizon EU-China collaboration project, BioClima, you will apply the state-of-the-art Earth Observation technology and conduct novel research to investigate the impact of climate extremes on ecosystems' health and ecosystem functioning and structure.

You will use remote sensing enabled Essential Biodiversity and Climate variables associated with ecosystem functioning and structure and their response to extreme climate events and anthropogenic activities like land use change to examine how climate change contributes to changes in vulnerable ecosystems and the state of biodiversity.

• A recent MSc in one or more of the following fields (preferably a combination of): Earth Observation, Geospatial Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources and Ecology, or a related field with an excellent academic performance.
• Good analytical and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Skills in applying various remote sensing data sources, particularly hyperspectral and thermal infrared remote sensing data
• A strong motivation for doing research and affinity with working in interdisciplinary teams
• A team player who is willing to take responsibility and have the flexibility to work with tight deadlines
• Motivation to publish scientific articles and present at scientific events, with prior experience considered as an advantage
• Minimal English language requirements (An academic IELTS test: a total band score of 6.5; or TOEFL-iBT: at least 90; or Cambridge CAE-C)

The following competencies are a plus:

• Familiarity with different models suitable for predicting EBVs and ECVs
• Capable of effective communication with external project partners
• Having a driving license

Natural resources are crucial to maintaining the well-being of societies. Sustainable management of these natural resources balances the needs of people and the environment. It avoids the depletion, degradation, and destruction of ecosystems, prevents biodiversity loss and soil erosion, and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

Our research, education, and partnerships empower society to effectively use insights from geo-information and Earth observation technologies for sustainable management of the environment. The outcome is an increased understanding of the processes that affect the availability, stability, quality, and sustainability of natural resources, enabling their preservation, sustainable use, development, or restoration.

Our academic staff, PhD candidates, and MSc students focus on developing both the means and the measurements that are essential to monitoring trends, tracking changes, and enabling action to sustain biologically diverse environments and productive agricultural systems.