3 Fully Funded PhD Students positions in Remote Sensing

Blackscientists; Hamilton; Remote; CAD 20,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research-intensive university in Hamilton is seeking candidates for three fully funded PhD student positions. The research will focus on using satellite and aerial remote sensing technologies to analyze forest ecosystems and the effects of climate change. Interested candidates must contact Prof. Alemu Gonsamo via email with a CV and academic transcripts, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Qualifications

• Candidates must meet the language and admission requirements of McMaster University.

Responsibilities

• Investigate biophysical impacts of forest management and disturbances.
• Develop tree-level biomass benchmark datasets.
• Quantify forest biomass change using high-resolution satellite sensors.

Job description

3 Fully Funded PhD Students positions!
Remote Sensing Laboratory, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Start Date: Spring or Fall 2026

The Remote Sensing Laboratory at McMaster University is recruiting three fully funded PhD students to join our team. Our research focuses on using satellite and aerial remote sensing technologies to understand forest ecosystems, biomass dynamics, and the biophysical impacts of climate and land use change.

Project Areas

• Biophysical Impacts of Forest Management and Disturbances: Investigating how tree planting affects the surface energy budget in tropical ecosystems, assessing the radiative impacts of wildfires, insect outbreaks, and forest harvests in boreal regions. Includes potential collaboration and research visits to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
• Developing Tree-Level Biomass Benchmark Datasets: From aerial, and high-resolution satellite observation to build accurate biomass datasets, in collaboration with University of Copenhagen & Environment and Climate Change Canada.
• Quantifying Forest Biomass Change with High-Resolution Satellite Sensors: Using L-band SAR, LiDAR and optical satellite observations to monitor biomass changes in tropical reforestation areas, and applying UAV, airborne and satellite observations to study biomass changes in Canada’s non-forest ecosystems, in collaboration with University of Copenhagen & Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Applicant Requirements

• Candidates must meet the language and admission requirements of McMaster University.
• Interested candidates should first contact Prof. Alemu Gonsamo via email at [e-mail] with a CV and a copy of academic transcripts.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why McMaster & Hamilton? McMaster University is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, located in Hamilton — a vibrant, artsy, and evolving city just an hour from Toronto. With scenic trails, over 100 waterfalls, a thriving music and arts scene, and access to beautiful natural spaces, Hamilton offers a unique and enriching environment for graduate studies.