PhD Position in Remote Sensing at Michigan Tech
Join a doctoral project developing remote sensing tools to track invasive species and manage wetland ash forests.
Best for:Best for ecology or forestry graduates with a strong remote sensing background and analytical programming skills.
Overview
Michigan Technological University, in collaboration with the USDA's Northern Research Station, is offering a PhD position focused on remote sensing and forest ecology. The project aims to map and manage invasive species spreading in wetland ash forests threatened by the emerald ash borer across the Upper Midwest. The successful candidate will combine field measurements with satellite imagery, such as Sentinel-2 data, to build early-detection and rapid-response tools. The student will be based in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science with a planned start as early as spring 2027.
What you'll do
- Develop remote sensing models and maps using satellite imagery such as Sentinel-2 data.
- Conduct field measurements in lowland forests across northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Minnesota.
- Analyze spatial and statistical data to support early detection of invasive species in wetland ash forests.
- Collaborate with researchers from Michigan Technological University and the USDA Northern Research Station.
- Publish research findings in professional peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: MS degree in forestry, forest science, natural resources, ecology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: Experience in publishing with professional journals
- Strong analytical and statistical background in remote sensing
- Demonstrated experience in publishing with professional journals
- Keen research interest and enthusiasm for forest science
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Funding & terms
How to apply
Prepare a single PDF document containing your CV, academic transcripts, a statement of research interest and plan, and the contact details for three references. Submit this document via email to Fengjing Liu and Randy Kolka. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until a candidate is identified.
- CV
- Transcripts
- Statement of research interest and plan
- 3 reference letters
Contact
Fengjing Liu
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