PhD Position on Radar Detection of Logging in Tropical Forests
Develop novel satellite radar techniques to detect illegal logging and verify timber origins across pantropical forests.
Best for:Best for environmental science or remote sensing graduates with strong spatial data analysis and programming skills.
Overview
Wageningen University & Research invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on combating the illegal timber trade through advanced remote sensing. Working within the Forest Ecology and Forest Management group and the Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, the successful candidate will process and analyze satellite radar data to detect logging activities and intensities. The project forms part of the broader Timtrace initiative, aiming to contribute data to a publicly accessible timber verification dashboard. The candidate will collaborate closely with international partners, authorities, and industry stakeholders while producing high-impact scientific publications culminating in a dissertation.
What you'll do
- Process and analyze novel satellite radar datasets to monitor pantropical forests
- Develop, calibrate, and test remote sensing methods for identifying logging occurrences and evaluating ecological impacts
- Lead data-driven analyses and author multi-authored scientific papers leading to a PhD thesis
- Collaborate with international project partners and members of the stakeholder user committee
- Contribute processed data and analytical results to a publicly accessible timber verification dashboard
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, Forest & Nature Conservation, Geo-Information Science, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level proficiency
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated motivation for applied research and tool development
- Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities
- Collaborative and curious mindset with effective teamwork skills
- Proven experience in forest remote sensing
- Must hold a completed qualifying Master of Science degree
- Must apply to only one of the two related Timtrace PhD vacancies
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-17
Interested candidates must submit their application materials through the online portal before the specified deadline. Ensure you apply to only one of the two advertised Timtrace PhD positions. Complete applications should include all requested academic documents and statements.
- CV
- Cover letter
- MSc transcripts
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