Are you passionate about climate change, data science, and global food security? The University of Delaware is now offering two fully funded PhD positions in Climate and Food Systems Resilience starting in Spring or Fall 2026. This is a unique opportunity to join a cutting-edge research team working at the intersection of climate science, agriculture, and supply chain resilience.
🌍 About the Program
Hosted by the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, this PhD program is led by Dr. Kyle F. Davis of the Global Food Futures Lab. The focus is on exploring how climate-related shocks—like droughts, floods, and extreme heat—impact food systems, especially in the Global South.
🔬 Key Research Areas:
- Integration of climate, agriculture, and food system datasets
- Use of remote sensing tools such as Landsat, Sentinel, and PlanetScope
- Application of Google Earth Engine (GEE) and machine learning algorithms
- Comparative studies between Global North and South food systems
- Development of open-access tools and policy recommendations
This program emphasizes real-world impact and supports evidence-based policy and resilience-building strategies for climate-adaptive food systems.
🎓 Eligibility and Who Should Apply
✅ Required Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in geography, environmental science, agriculture, computer science, or related fields
- Strong coding skills in Python and R
- Experience with large datasets, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and regression modeling
- Interest in or experience working in the Global South
⭐ Preferred Skills:
- Background in food security, nutrition, or rural development
- Experience with climate data modeling and agriculture-climate interactions
- Understanding of supply chain resilience and development frameworks
- Commitment to applied research for global development and policy impact
🎁 Program Benefits
- Fully funded: tuition, stipend, and research support included
- Work with a world-class, interdisciplinary research team
- Access to advanced tools, datasets, and international research networks
- Opportunities to publish in top academic journals and attend global conferences
- Inclusive and collaborative research environment focused on sustainable solutions
📩 How to Apply
To apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity, email the following materials to kfdavis@udel.edu with the subject line:
“Food Systems PhD Materials”
Required Documents:
- A 1-page cover letter describing your background, research interests, and career goals
- A CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Contact information for 2–3 academic references
- (Optional) A portfolio including GitHub links, publications, code samples, or GIS maps
📅 Application Timeline:
- Review begins: August 15, 2025
- Final Deadline: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled
🌱 Launch Your Career in Climate and Food Systems Research
This is more than a PhD—it’s a chance to drive real change in how the world responds to climate and food security challenges. Whether your interest lies in AI for agriculture, climate-resilient supply chains, or data for sustainable development, this program provides the skills, mentorship, and global platform you need to make an impact.
🔗 Learn more by contacting Dr. Kyle F. Davis at kfdavis@udel.edu