Research Assistant (PhD Student) in Forest Science and Remote Sensing

LTER Net; Minnesota; On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University in collaboration with USDA’s Northern Research Station seeks a PhD Student as a Research Assistant in Forest Science and Remote Sensing. The role focuses on developing invasive species maps using Sentinel-2 imagery and field measurements to support wetland ash forest management.

Starts as spring 2027, with a 3-year assistantship covering tuition. Required MS in forestry or related field, strong remote sensing analytics, and programming in R and Python.

Qualifications

• MS degree in forestry, forest science, natural resources or ecology from an accredited college or university.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and statistical background in remote sensing.
• Experience publishing in professional journals.
• Keen research interest in forest science and enthusiasm for remote sensing.
• Ability to drive independently with a valid US driver’s license.
• Programming experience in R and Python is desirable at hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop tools for early detection and rapid response to locate and eradicate potential invasive species.
• Conduct research in lowland forests by Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Minnesota using remote sensing images.
• Publish findings in professional journals and collaborate with MTU and USDA partners.

Skills

Remote sensing

Analytical skills

Statistical background

Programming in R and Python

Scientific writing

Education

MS degree in forestry, forest science, natural resources or ecology

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Opportunity: Research Assistant (PhD Student) in Forest Science and Remote Sensing

Michigan Technological University in collaboration with USDA’s Northern Research Station is launching a research project, relying on remote sensing and field measurements, to develop invasive species spread maps to support management efforts to actively manage wetland ash forests to maintain forest productivity. EAB has been sweeping across the region, where over 2.1 billion ash trees are at risk for die-off. The dying ash trees combined with low diversity of these stands make them prime candidates for invasive plants. These invasive plants further prevent the regeneration of native trees important to maintaining carbon sequestration and healthy ecosystems.

The primary objective of the study is to develop tools for early detection and rapid response to locate and eradicate potential invasive species. The study will be conducted in the lowland forests by Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Minnesota using remote sensing images such as Sentinel-2’s. We are seeking applications for a Ph.D. student in the areas of forestry, forest science, vegetation science, or ecology, with a very strong skill set in remote sensing. The position is housed at the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and can start as early as spring 2027.

The successful candidate should have an MS degree in forestry, forest science, natural resources or ecology from an accredited college or university. Required qualifications also include excellent written and oral communication skills, a strong analytical and statistical background in remote sensing, experience in publishing with professional journals, a keen research interest in forest science, and enthusiasm for remote sensing. Ability of driving independently with a valid US driver’s license and programming with R and Python is desirable at the time of hiring.

The assistantship covers 3 academic years, including tuition.

For more information about our graduate programs, visit: www.mtu.edu/forest/graduate/ . Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.