Organization: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Application Deadline:
Posted: 2009-05-05
Two PhD Assistantships in remote sensing and conservation biology atthe University of Wisconsin-Madison; Department of Forest and WildlifeEcology. Two PhD research assistantships are available in two projects usingremote sensing to monitor land cover and land use change, and itseffects on biodiversity in Russia.
Russia has undergone dramatic changes in land use and land cover sincethe breakdown of the USSR in 1990. In some regions, more than half ofthe agricultural land is out of production and succession to shrublandsand forests is widespread. This offers unique opportunities forbiodiversity conservation. On the other hand, forest exports arerising, and harvesting rates especially in the temperate forests ofEuropean Russia may not be sustainable. In our projects, we willmonitor recent land cover changes with satellite imagery, link thechanges to socioeconomic drivers, and assess effects on biodiversityand protected areas.
The first PhD position will focus on developing methods for large-areamapping based on Landsat TM/ETM+ time series, and on analyzing forestchanges in Western Russia during the last decades. The PhD student inthis position will be advised by Prof. Mutlu Ozdogan
The second PhD position will focus on the monitoring of land use changesurrounding protected areas in the Caucasus and Ural Mountains, andwill relate the observed changes to biodiversity inventories, andwildlife habitat. The PhD student in this position will be advised byProf. Volker Radeloff.
University, Department, Lab:
The University of Wisconsin –Madison is one of the major researchuniversities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd inresearch expenditures among all U.S. universities and first amongpublic universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty.UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservationbiology, and remote sensing science. This project will be housed in theSILVIS laboratory (http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu) in the Department ofForest Ecology and Management (http://forest.wisc.edu).
Town:
Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in theUnited States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin’s capital city,with a vibrant population of approximately 200,000 that combines smalltown charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.For more information on campus and town seehttp://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/
Stipend/Salary:
Current annual stipend levels are $19,596 per year before taxes, plustuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support isprovided by NASA and available for three years. Positions areaavailable immediately, a start date no later than Fall of 2009 isstrongly preferred, but a later start date may be negotiable forexceptional candidates.
Qualifications:
A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlifeecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BSdegree may be considered if substantial relevant experience can beshown.
A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statisticssoftware is required. Good English writing and verbal communicationskills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential.Knowledge of a Slavic language and familiarity with Russia is a plus.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continueuntil candidates are chosen. Applications received by May 1st, 2009will be guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madisonis an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promoteexcellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals toapply.
Interested applicants are asked to e-mail to radeloff@wisc.edu thedocuments listed below (preferably in one PDF file). Please specify inyour e-mail if you are applying for both positions or only one, andwhen you would be available.
– Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds
– Resume/CV
– Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point)
– GRE scores if available
– Reprints if available
– Names and contact addresses of three references
Volker Radeloff, Associate Professor
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin
1630 Linden Drive
Russell Laboratories
Madison WI 53706
radeloff@wisc.edu
Mutlu Ozdogan, Assistant Professor
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin
1630 Linden Drive
Russell Laboratories
Madison WI 53706
ozdogan@wisc.edu