PhD Position in Advanced Sensing Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture at University of Missouri!

18 March, 2024 5:59 PM IST

The University of Missouri, Columbia, is actively seeking a Ph.D. candidate to lead research in innovative proximal and remote sensing technologies tailored for crop biomass and soil studies. This exciting opportunity entails integrating proximal sensing data with UAV and satellite imagery, alongside digital soil information and real-time weather analytics. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, the successful applicant will play a crucial role in accurately estimating above and below-ground biomass, thus contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable agriculture practices.

Project Overview

The primary objective of this research initiative is to enhance the monitoring and management of over 50 million hectares of US pasturelands by bridging technological advancements with ecosystem outcomes. The selected candidate will collaborate with an extensive academic network, including partnerships with prominent universities in the United Kingdom. This position promises the opportunity to make a substantial impact on sustainable agriculture through high-impact research endeavors.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following qualifications will be given preference:

Interest in the Project: Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the research project.
Experience in Modeling: Proficiency in utilizing machine learning algorithms for modeling purposes.
Experience in Remote Sensing: Familiarity with remote sensing tools such as Google Earth Engine, SentinelHub, and ArcGIS.
Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R.
Publication Track Record: Previous publications in relevant fields such as agriculture, modeling, or remote sensing.

Desirable Qualifications

Additionally, candidates with the following qualifications are desirable:

Experience with Crop Biomass: Prior experience working with crop biomass.
Radar Data Interpretation: Experience in the use and interpretation of radar data.
UAV Experience: Qualifications and experience in piloting UAVs (drones) and processing UAV-based data, including photogrammetry and multispectral images.

This interdisciplinary project offers an exciting opportunity to combine remote sensing, modeling, and sustainable agriculture to address critical challenges in the field. The project duration is three years, with the possibility of extension to four years. The assistantship offered is $32,000.00.

Start Date and Location

The project is scheduled to commence in May-Jun 2024 and will be based at the University of Missouri, Columbia, United States. The selected student will also have opportunities to travel to and study at Cranfield University, UK.

Contact Information

For further details about the project, please contact:

Dr. Bernardo Candido, email: [email protected]
Dr. Rob Kallenbach, email: [email protected]

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Dr. Bernardo Candido ([email protected]) with "Remote Sensing PhD" in the subject line:

Curriculum Vitae (including a hyperlink to publications)

Contact information for two referees

Cover letter detailing qualifications, research experience, and motivation for the project (rationale for why the applicant is the best candidate)