AI-Enabled UAV GIS Research Assistant for Tree Species

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the NextGen‑FI project. The role focuses on UAV data processing, GIS workflows, and dataset curation to deliver model‑ready UAV outputs.

You will work with academic and stakeholder partners to develop repeatable UAV data generation protocols and contribute to reports and publications while pursuing an MSc or PhD in a related field.

Qualifications

• Experience in modelling, simulation or analysis of geospatial data using R, Matlab, ArcPro, QGIS, Python or similar.
• Experience using UAV software or programming tools such as Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D or similar.
• Awareness/knowledge of AI and ML methods and approaches for tree and/or species mapping.

Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to manage and secure UAV flightline data.
• Undertake secure data management for all UAV data transferred from stakeholders.
• Generate automated flight-line processing protocols for UAV data ingestion.
• Process and code multiple UAV flight-line datasets using Agisoft Metashape for input into both AI and ML models.
• Collaborate with project partners, present progress, and maintain clear technical records, code, data and documentation.
• Contribute to project deliverables and dissemination activities, including technical reports and papers.

Skills

Geospatial data analysis

UAV software

AI for forestry

Teamwork

Time management

Workload planning

Geospatial data processing

Education

MSc/PhD in Geography or Computer Science

Tools

Agisoft Metashape

Pix4D

Job description

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the NextGen‑FI project. The role focuses on UAV data processing, GIS workflows, and dataset curation to deliver model‑ready UAV outputs.

You will work with academic and stakeholder partners to develop repeatable UAV data generation protocols and contribute to reports and publications while pursuing an MSc or PhD in a related field.