Are you passionate about climate change, satellite technology, and environmental research? The Hydrologic Sciences & Remote Sensing Lab at the University of Minnesota – Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is now accepting applications for Ph.D. students and Postdoctoral Research Scholars to work on remote sensing of the Arctic and Boreal Zones (ABZ), beginning in Fall 2025.
🌍 About the Opportunity: Research Climate Change in the Arctic Using Remote Sensing
As the Arctic undergoes rapid transformation due to climate change, this project offers a unique chance to study major environmental shifts such as permafrost thaw, snowpack loss, and ecosystem disruption. You’ll use advanced satellite imaging, machine learning, and land surface models to monitor and predict changes in these critical regions.
🔬 Key Research Areas
In this position, you’ll work at the intersection of:
- Satellite Remote Sensing
- Land Surface Modeling
- Climate Prediction & Environmental Monitoring
You will actively collaborate with scientists at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, gaining exposure to cutting-edge Earth observation technologies.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze optical and microwave satellite data
- Apply radiative transfer models to interpret satellite signals
- Develop machine learning and deep learning algorithms for environmental forecasting
- Use advanced models to monitor freeze–thaw dynamics across Arctic and Boreal landscapes
🎓 Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates should have a strong academic background in one or more of the following fields:
- Civil or Environmental Engineering
- Remote Sensing or Geospatial Science
- Earth, Atmospheric, or Climate Sciences
Required Skills:
- Programming in Python, MATLAB, or R
- Experience in hydrologic modeling, climate data analysis, or Earth system science
- Strong research aptitude, analytical thinking, and communication skills
💰 What’s Included?
This is a fully funded position with:
- Competitive stipend
- Full tuition waiver (for Ph.D. students)
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Opportunities to present at top scientific conferences
- Access to cutting-edge tools and labs at Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory
❄️ Why Arctic Remote Sensing Matters
The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average. Monitoring freeze–thaw cycles through satellite remote sensing is essential for:
- Predicting climate change feedbacks
- Informing sustainable development policies
- Managing natural resources in cold regions of North America
By joining this research initiative, you contribute directly to climate resilience and scientific innovation.
📬 How to Apply
Interested candidates should send an email to Dr. Ardeshir Ebtehaj at ebtehaj@umn.edu with the subject line:
“Research position for remote sensing of the Arctic landscape”
Email must include:
- Full Name
- Academic degrees, institutions, graduation years, and GPAs
- TOEFL and GRE scores (for Ph.D. applicants only)
- CV as an attachment
📅 Rolling applications – early submissions are encouraged. Start date: Fall 2025
🏫 About the University of Minnesota’s Remote Sensing Lab
The Hydrologic Sciences & Remote Sensing Lab, based within the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, focuses on cutting-edge research in hydrology, climate modeling, and satellite technology to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
🌐 Visit: www.hydsens.com to learn more.
🔗 Quick Summary
- 📍 Location: University of Minnesota, USA
- 📅 Start Date: Fall 2025
- 📖 Level: Ph.D. Student or Postdoctoral Scholar
- 💼 Field: Climate Change, Remote Sensing, Arctic Research
- 💰 Funding: Fully Funded (stipend + tuition + health insurance)
- 🤝 Collaboration: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Don’t miss this chance to advance your research career and make an impact in climate science!