PhD Scholarship Announcement
Quantifying the Role of Thermokarst Basins and Lakes for the Arctic
Carbon Cycle Using Remote Sensing and GIS in Alaska and Siberia
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 30 April 2008
For further information, please contact:
Guido Grosse
Phone: 907-474-7548
Email: ffgg1 [at] uaf.edu
Or:
Vladimir Romanovsky
Phone: 907-474-7459
Email: ffver [at] uaf.edu
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites
applications for a PhD scholarship in remote sensing and spatial
analysis of thermokarst and thermokarst lakes in Siberia and Alaska. The
scholarship is related to the new NASA research project: "Assessing the
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Thermokarst, Methane Emissions, and
Related Carbon Cycling in Siberia and Alaska." Funding for this position
is available for three years and covers salary, PhD tuition, a computer
workstation, satellite imagery, and travel support for participation in
professional meetings and field expeditions in Alaska and Siberia. The
PhD candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team of
collaborators working on the characterization of thermokarst lakes using
remote sensing as well as geophysical, biogeochemical and
paleontological characterization to quantify and model the impact of
thermokarst on arctic carbon dynamics. The scale of study is
broad-ranging from local study sites to wide regions in Siberia and
Alaska.
The PhD candidate will be responsible for image processing and analysis,
the spectral and spatial characterization of thermokarst in the study
areas, the generating of land cover classifications to upscale field
results and the production of thematic maps relevant to thermokarst. The
PhD candidate will focus on remote sensing using a variety of sensors
(Landsat, Ikonos, Hyperion, etc.) to characterize thermokarst and
related features in high detail at study sites in Siberia and Alaska.
This work will involve the further development of thermokarst related
land-cover classifications and thematic GIS maps based on remote sensing
data, digital elevation models, and field data. These local results will
serve as a base for local thermokarst carbon budget quantification and
as input for sophisticated 3-D numerical thermokarst-landscape models.
The study site data will be used to develop scaling rules for upscaling
and mapping thermokarst in large regions using medium resolution
satellite data (MODIS) and ancillary information, like digital elevation
models and existing thematic maps. A second goal for the PhD will be to
quantify changes in thermokarst-related features using time series of
high-resolution imagery (aerial, Corona, Prism, Ikonos) and field data
(DGPS) in selected study areas of Siberia and Alaska.
Candidates must hold a Master's or equivalent degree in science (remote
sensing, geophysics, physical geography, or geology) and should have a
strong background in research, optical image processing and analysis,
and spatial data analysis. The advisors to this position expect a
general interest in climate studies, the Arctic, permafrost, and
intensive field work. Applicants must have good written and verbal
communication skills.
To apply, please submit an application, in English, including:
1) A short description of qualifications and research interests
2) A curriculum vita that provides relevant academic, employment, and
personal details
3) Authorized transcripts of course work and authorized copies of
diplomas of university degrees, all translated into English
4) Short list of references
5) Two letters of support from previous employers or supervisors
6) English proficiency certification, if applicable
The successful candidate will be required to apply for enrollment as a
PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The position is
expected to start as soon as possible. Please mention this PhD
scholarship announcement in your graduate school application and notify
the advisors, by email, of your application.
The application deadline is Wednesday, 30 April 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Guido Grosse
Phone: 907-474-7548
Email: ffgg1 [at] uaf.edu
Or:
Vladimir Romanovsky
Phone: 907-474-7459
Email: ffver [at] uaf.edu
For further information about admission and employment as a graduate
student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Geophysical
Institute in particular please go to:
http://www.uaf.edu/admissions and http://www.gi.alaska.edu/students.html