PhD: Geospatial Foundation Models for Smallholder Farms

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 4-year PhD studentship focused on evaluating GeoFM embeddings for smallholder agricultural mapping. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805) plus £1,000 enhancement, and a research training grant up to £20,000 over four years.

Applicants should hold or near obtain an upper second-class honours degree in a related field; programming (Python/R) and data science skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in computer science, environmental science, physical geography, environmental engineering, or a related discipline.
• Skills in programming (Python, R, or equivalent) and data science are essential.
• Research experience in remote sensing or Earth Observation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research assessing GeoFM embeddings versus conventional remote sensing features for mapping smallholder agriculture.
• Investigate robustness of current evidence and benchmarking protocols for GeoFM applications.
• Collaborate with team to advance transferability across regions and farming systems.

Skills

Python

R

Data science

Geospatial EO

Education

Upper second-class honours degree

Masters degree desirable

Tools

N/A

Job description

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 4-year PhD studentship focused on evaluating GeoFM embeddings for smallholder agricultural mapping. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805) plus £1,000 enhancement, and a research training grant up to £20,000 over four years.

Applicants should hold or near obtain an upper second-class honours degree in a related field; programming (Python/R) and data science skills are essential.