Funded PhD position (Data-driven LULC Science) at the University of Delaware

Applications are invited for one PhD research assistant position (starting Fall 2022) in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences  at the University of Delaware , to work on an interdisciplinary project examining sustainable agricultural land use patterns (e.g., cover crop) at the continental scale. We will start with a geospatial data-driven investigation identifying large-scale land cover patterns resulting from small-scale agricultural land use practices, examine influential environmental and social factors driving the observed patterns, and gradually explain mechanisms causing such landscape evolution. The position offers a competitive stipend, a tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a master’s degree in a related field, with (1) solid backgrounds in quantitative and computational methods (e.g., spatial analysis and modeling, geo-computation, machine learning, statistics), (2) excellent written and oral communication skills, (3) strong motivation and work ethics. Prior research experience in LULC science,  geospatial/environmental data science and analytics, causal inference, or/and interdisciplinary  teamwork are highly valued.

About Us: The student will be advised by Dr. Jing Gao (leading the Geospatial Data Science and Human Dimensions of Global Change lab), and also work with a wide range of interdisciplinary experts.

The Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences offers nationally and internationally recognized Ph.D. programs in both Climatology and Geography, and a graduate-level certificate in Geographic Information Science. Our students have diverse opportunities to engage with and pursue coursework in Data Science.

The University of Delaware is a tier-1 research university and ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering.

Newark, Delaware is a college town on the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S. within 2 hours of travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Application: Applicants should email Dr. Jing Gao ([email protected]) a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a one-page research statement connecting existing experiences and skillsets with future research plans. Applications will be reviewed continuously. Shortlisted candidates will be  contacted and interviewed virtually in a timely manner.