Oct 15 2019

Remote Sensing of Environmental Change research group seeks four full-time graduate student positions at the PhD and Master’s level

We are seeking motivated individuals interested to join the Remote Sensing of Environmental Change research group in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Cold Region Research Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada.

Our current research focuses on remote sensing and numerical modeling approaches; combining with fieldwork at large Canadian Northern Lakes to enhance the understanding of the hydrologic system and lake-ice-atmosphere interaction due to the impact of climatic change.  Our lab uses numerous techniques to address our research program such as satellite and airborne remote sensing with the collaboration of NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment team (ABoVE), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) underwater drone. The prospective research will be involved “bridging the gap” between results from small scale to large-scale predictive algorithms on lake ice and water quality.

Students interested should have a strong background and experience in one or a combination of Geography, Physics, Earth Science, Geomatics, and biology. Strengths in programming, writing, statistical analysis, and the ability to work both independently and in a team are essential. Experience in the field will be an asset, but not required and programming experience in either Python, IDL or MATLAB is desirable.

Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of students and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any sexual identities and gender identities.

Beginning in January 2020, under the supervision of Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour, four full-time graduate student positions at the PhD and Master’s level are available:

Position#1 (MSc): Compile existing traditional knowledge by the northern community and information of ice thickness/extent and snow depth on the reference site, Great Bear Lake, to complement scientific knowledge as a source of climate history and baseline data; as insight into impacts and adaptation in Arctic communities; and for long-term, community-based monitoring. Strongly encourage Aboriginal students to apply, Non-Aboriginal students are also invited to apply.

Position#2 (PhD/MSc): Develop an algorithm of ice phenology and thickness using thermal and optical sensors of satellite observations coupled with a thermodynamic lake ice model and UAS.

Position#3 (PhD/MSc): Water quality monitoring using satellite and airborne remote sensing, ROVs to derive the relationship between algal distributions and environmental drivers. Applicants should have experience in remote sensing techniques and hydrology.

Position#4 (PhD): Characterization and projection of lake ice subsurface-surface-atmosphere interaction and exchange processes in a changing climate using advanced satellite remote sensing and numerical models. Applicants should have a meaningful experience in remote sensing and hydrological modeling.

If this opportunity interests you, and you meet all of the above requirements, please submit your application electronically as a single pdf file to Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour (hpour@wlu.ca); include “ReSEC_PhD/MSc_position#_yourname” in the subject line.

Your applications should contain:

  • CV
  • A cover letter stating your motivation for applying to this position and your research interests
  • Copy of transcript(s)
  • Contact information for 2 references

The positions will remain open until filled. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the positions above, please contact Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.