Doctoral Fellow in Forest Digital Twins and Remote Sensing
Join Q-ForestLab at Ghent University to build forest digital twins using laser scanning and satellite remote sensing.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in computational or environmental sciences with strong programming skills and an interest in remote sensing and forest ecology.
Overview
Ghent University invites applications for a 4-year doctoral fellowship within the Department of Environment, specifically contributing to the ERC-funded SPACETWIN project. The successful candidate will investigate forest disturbances and recovery dynamics by integrating 3D terrestrial laser scanning data with spaceborne satellite observations and radiative transfer modeling. Working closely with an international team of researchers, the doctoral fellow will develop digital twin models to monitor global ecosystems. The position offers a full-time contract starting in early 2027, with opportunities for international conference participation and potential fieldwork.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement 3D forest digital twins using terrestrial laser scanning data for optical and microwave radiative transfer modeling.
- Investigate near-real-time satellite remote sensing inversion techniques to detect forest disturbances.
- Analyze multi-scale lidar datasets and satellite missions such as ESA BIOMASS and NASA GEDI to evaluate upscaling and uncertainties.
- Contribute to potential fieldwork campaigns in international study sites to collect ground-truth validation data.
- Disseminate research findings through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Msc degree (or equivalent) in Bioscience-Engineering, Remote Sensing, Surveying, Physics, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good command of written and oral English.
Instruction: English
- Proficiency in at least one programming language such as R, C++, or Python.
- Demonstrated experience with satellite remote sensing data analysis, including optical or radar sensors.
- Strong interest in forest ecology, nature, and environmental dynamics.
- Good written and oral communication skills in English.
- Holds a qualifying master's degree or equivalent prior to the start of the appointment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15 (Europe/Brussels)
Candidates must submit a curriculum vitae and a motivation letter through the designated online application form before the deadline. Applicants are advised to include their favorite animal in the motivation letter to confirm complete review of the vacancy details.
- CV
- Cover letter
Contact
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