Ph.D. fellowship "Trends in vegetation productivity of global dryland ecosystems (land degradation) from time-series of EO long-term dataset" at the Institute of Geography and Geology at the University of CopenhagenThe Department of Geography and Geology of the Faculty of Science offers a PhD position on: Trends in vegetation productivity of global dryland ecosystems (land degradation) from time-series of EO long-term dataset. The position is open for appointment from March 1, 2012. The scholarship will be an integral part of a 4 year research project entitled: Earth Observation based Vegetation productivity and Land Degradation Trends in Global Drylands financed by the Danish Research Councils (FFI) including 2 Post docs and 1 PhD. The overarching goal of the proposed research is to develop improved EO-based methods for dryland degradation assessment including a better understanding of the drivers for changes. The aim of the Post Doc position is to improve EO-based dryland vegetation productivity modelling (NPP) from parameterisation of the LUE approach with emphasis on canopy water stress. This work will include data from a wide range of satellite sensors ranging from VHR to coarse scale spatial resolution including development and testing of variables for improved parameterisation of savanna photosynthesis. Testing of various modelling approaches will be validated against ground measurements of water and carbon fluxes and spectroradiometer measurements (among other things) in the semi-arid Senegal. The applicant must be prepared for periods of field work in Senegal (about one month a year) and research exchange at NASA GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) is envisioned (6-9 months). Place of employment and work will be at the Department of Geography and Geology, ุster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen. Qualification The applicants are expected to hold a university degree in geography or related fields (preferably a MSc. or equivalent). Candidates with a strong background in optical remote rensing, vegetation monitoring and time series analysis will be preferred. Experience of programming is an important asset. Terms of employment The successful PhD candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen and be offered a full-time PhD position for a period of three years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in a PhD degree and scientific publications. It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a PhD-fellow, that the person concerned can be registered as a PhD-fellow according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 18 of 14. January 2008. Information about the PhD programs at the Faculty of Science can be found at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/. The salary depends on seniority, as agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations within the range of 23,000 to 30,000 DKK/month (approximately 3,100-4,000 Euro/month). Questions For more information, please contact Associate Professor Rasmus Fensholt (e-mail: rf@geo.ku.dk). General information on the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Copenhagen can be found at www.geo.ku.dk How to apply Applications must be received no later than Jan 21th, 2012. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications must be sent electronically by using the link below.
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