Boise State University in Idaho, USA, is offering two outstanding Ph.D. student positions to join a collaborative team focusing on climate adaptation strategies for agricultural lands in the western United States. This transdisciplinary project employs cutting-edge data science techniques to monitor the restoration process of mesic resources (wetlands, riparian zones, and wet meadows) resulting from farmer-driven interventions in Idaho and Oregon.
The research aims to develop novel metrics from remotely sensed datasets to assess the outcomes of restoration projects and utilize modeling to quantify the ecosystem services provided by these restored ecosystems. The Ph.D. students will gain expertise in data science, including time-series satellite data, Artificial Intelligence methods such as machine learning and deep learning, and social-ecological modeling.
Supervised by Dr. Jodi Brandt and Dr. Trevor Caughlin, the students will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team comprising experts from The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International. They will also benefit from co-advisement by other faculty members and engage with fellow students in the Human-Environment Systems community. This community focuses on team-based research and addresses environmental challenges across multiple disciplines.
Candidates are expected to have a background in data science, remote sensing, spatial analysis, hydrology, and/or modeling, along with strong computational skills and a desire to expand expertise in data science, remote sensing, and programming. Stakeholder engagement skills will be essential, given the project's focus, and applicants with a Master's degree and experience relevant to the research topics are encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will receive financial support for the first two years through grant funding, followed by two additional years of teaching assistantship, which includes a stipend of $32,000 per year, tuition and fee waivers, and health insurance. The Ph.D. positions are available for the Fall 2023 (August) or Spring 2024 (January) term.
To apply, interested individuals should submit a single file attachment via email to Dr. Jodi Brandt (email: jodibrandt@boisestate.edu), including a cover letter highlighting their qualifications and career goals, a CV with contact information for three references, and copies of transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). The subject line of the email should read "Ph.D. application-Climate Smart Agriculture."
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and top candidates will be invited to apply formally to a Boise State graduate program. All admission decisions are subject to approval by the Graduate Dean. The deadline to apply for these Ph.D. positions is August 15, 2023.
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