The Centre de Recherche Public - Gabriel Lippmann, a fast growing public establishment for applied scientific research and technology transfer in Luxembourg, has an opening for its internationally recognized "Environment and Agro-biotechnologies" Department (EVA), for :
a candidate for a PHD in remote sensing (m/f)
Topic : plant water deficit stress assessment using thermal imaging spectrometry
Context and objective:
Water deficit stress limits the functioning and the performance of cultivated plants more than any other environmental factor. However, regional assessment of water stress requires remote sensing methods and these methods presently lack accuracy, sensitivity and robustness. In this context, the objective of this PhD project is to contribute to our understanding of plant water-deficit stress in view of improving the local and regional assessment of crop water status.
To this end, the selected candidate will study the plant-water interactions at different scales through a combination of standardized irrigation experiments, thermal remote sensing at the ground, drone, airborne, and satellite level. The individual selected for this position will be expected to apply innovative remote sensing, image processing, and spectroscopy techniques to improve existing or develop new water stress indices for pre-visual stress detection in agricultural crops, as well as to gain new insights on the spatial relationships between water-deficit stress, soil moisture and other relevant environmental variables.
The PhD student will work within the remote sensing group of the 'Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems' (ECOSAT) research unit. The successful candidate is anticipated to carry out research by him/herself after an initial training period, to write scientific publications for international journals, and to participate in additional scientific activities such as giving presentations, and visiting conferences. To this end, the candidate is expected to carry out laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments and conduct field data acquisition campaigns.
Collaborations:
The successful candidate will be supervised by a team of scientists at CRP - Gabriel Lippmann and the University of Trier, Germany, where the PhD will finally be defended.
Qualifications:
- Master of Science Degree in remote sensing, geomatics, geography, environmental sciences, agronomy or other relevant scientific discipline,
- Good understanding of remote sensing (optical and thermal remote sensing of vegetation and soil, field spectrometry, digital image processing, retrieval of surface properties) shown by her/his training transcripts,
- Aptitude for organization the daily work and an interest to work in an interdisciplinary, multi- national team. Good attitude for team work is mandatory,
- Oral and written fluency in English is mandatory.
Candidates interested in the above position can apply online. The application file should include a CV, a motivation letter, the names of two or three referees, the last diploma and marks obtained at the university.
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