PhD Researcher: 3D Forest Modelling & Remote Sensing

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Occupational health care

Job summary

University of Helsinki invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in 3D forest modelling and remote sensing within the VODBIO project. You will develop 3D representations of trees and stands to support microwave VOD interpretation, bridging TLS data, QSMs, and Earth observation.

The role is based in Helsinki, with a negotiable start date by 1 November 2026. Fully funded for 36 months, offering a pathway to a PhD and collaboration with national and international partners.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python or R.
• Experience with point cloud processing and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS).
• Knowledge of GIS and forest inventory is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop workflows to convert TLS point clouds into quantitative structure models for trees and forest stands.
• Describe tree architecture, biomass distribution, and water-content-related properties for microwave VOD modelling.
• Process existing TLS datasets and collect new data from diverse ecosystems including Kenya and the Amazon.
• Collaborate with project partners in Finland and internationally.
• Contribute to co-authored publications and PhD thesis.

Job description

University of Helsinki invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in 3D forest modelling and remote sensing within the VODBIO project. You will develop 3D representations of trees and stands to support microwave VOD interpretation, bridging TLS data, QSMs, and Earth observation.

The role is based in Helsinki, with a negotiable start date by 1 November 2026. Fully funded for 36 months, offering a pathway to a PhD and collaboration with national and international partners.