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!

Program Overview: Graduate Assistantships in Nursery & Greenhouse Research

Selected graduate students will conduct innovative research in nursery and greenhouse horticulture, with a focus on sustainability, rootzone management, and plant-soil interaction. Students can pursue either an M.S. or Ph.D. degree and will benefit from:

• A 12-month stipend
• Full tuition coverage
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Funding to attend national and international academic or industry conferences

The program is based at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, with possible rotations at Virginia Tech’s main Blacksburg campus.

Key Research Areas

Students will participate in advanced horticultural research focused on:

• Root morphology, hydraulics, and architecture in container-grown plants
• Effects of irrigation methods, soilless substrates, and fertilizers on root health
• Application of plant growth regulators for root development
• Agrochemical movement and tracking in nursery operations
• Efficient water and fertilizer management through innovative substrate systems
• Mechanization and automation in nursery plant production
• Reducing peat use with eco-friendly alternative substrates
• Stress mitigation strategies for ornamental crops under abiotic stress conditions

Lab Facilities and Resources

The Criscione Nursery Production Lab provides cutting-edge tools and infrastructure, including:

• Advanced imaging systems for detailed root morphology analysis
• Greenhouse spaces for controlled trials
• Tools for analyzing water runoff and substrate properties
• Outdoor and indoor research environments
• Dedicated office space and research resources for students

Eligibility Criteria

Required Academic Background:

• A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• For Ph.D. applicants, an M.S. degree is preferred

Preferred Skills and Qualities:

• Strong interest in horticulture and scientific research
• Excellent communication skills and self-motivation
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience in statistical analysis, lab work, or field research is a bonus

Application Process

Interested in joining this dynamic horticulture research team?

To apply, email Dr. Kristopher Criscione at kscriscione@vt.edu with the following documents:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose (3–4 paragraphs) explaining your academic background, research interests, and motivation to join the lab

Additional documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples, GRE, or TOEFL scores may be requested later.