Two PhD Assistantships in Remote Sensing and Conservation Biology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Forest Ecology and Management
Applications received by Saturday, 15 January 2005 will be guaranteed
consideration.
For more information refer to:
http://www.silvis.forest.wisc.edu/jobs_and_info/NASA.asp
Or contact:
Volker Radeloff
Email: radeloff [at] wisc.edu
Position Description:
Eastern Europe has undergone dramatic changes in land use and land cover
since the breakdown of the USSR in 1990. In some regions, more than half
of the agricultural land is out of production and succession to
shrublands and forests is widespread. This offers unique opportunities
for biodiversity conservation. Recent land cover changes have created a
unique 'natural experiment' to test hypotheses on the relative
importance of environmental versus socioeconomic factors as drivers of
land use change. In this project we will:
1. Monitor land use and land cover change (LULCC) in Eastern Europe
from 1985 to 2002 using MODIS and Landsat satellite data
2. Examine the role of socioeconomics and political changes as primary
drivers of LULCC
3. Examine effects of LULCC in Eastern Europe on habitat availability
for umbrella species of biodiversity
4. Spatially model future LULCC scenarios across Eastern Europe and
examine potential biodiversity changes.
One PhD student will focus on socioeconomic drivers of LULCC, the other
on the effects on biodiversity. Both will conduct satellite image
analysis. The project is funded by NASA and will be conducted in close
collaboration with an existing network of scientists throughout Eastern
Europe.
Stipend/Salary:
Current annual stipend levels are USD 17,772 per year before taxes, plus
tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is
provided by NASA and available for three years. Positions area available
immediately, but a start date as late as Fall of 2005 may be negotiable.
Qualifications:
A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife
ecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS
degree may be considered if substantial relevant experience can be
shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics
software is also required. Good English writing and verbal communication
skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential.
Knowledge of a Slavic language, and familiarity with Eastern Europe is a
plus.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue
until candidates are chosen. Applications received by January 15th, 2005
will be guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is
an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence
through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Interested applicants are asked to send
- 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
Applications received by Saturday, 15 January 2005 will be guaranteed
consideration.
For more information refer to:
http://www.silvis.forest.wisc.edu/jobs_and_info/NASA.asp
Or contact:
Volker Radeloff
Assistant Professor
Department of Forest Ecology and Management
University of Wisconsin
1630 Linden Drive
Russell Laboratories
Madison WI 53706
Email: radeloff [at] wisc.edu