PhD opportunity in University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

PhD opportunity

Application of Remote Sensing for the Monitoring of Pasture Biomass and Grazing Management in a Changing Climatic and Management Regimes

Closing Date

28th February 2020*

*unless filled earlier

Applicants should contact the primary supervisor, and submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) and Application as soon as possible. The Research project Remote sensing and spatial analysis techniques enhance understanding of vegetation dynamics through a continuous monitoring process globally, however, these techniques are rarely used to monitor pasture in real-time for sustainable grazing. The efficient use of satellite images and analysis of spatial data is crucial for the understanding of natural processes and to inform management actions across varied scales (large tracts of grassland to paddock). The project will develop sophisticated image analyses, interpretative and automation techniques to synthesize spatial data into a form where it directly assists end-users to make real-time decisions on grazing management. The proposed research will include a range of approaches using pasture, management, environmental, climate, and freely available multispectral satellite data (Landsat, MODIS, Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2). The project will work across different resolutions and scales from the region to the paddock. Research methods will include necessary image processing from global sources, image analysis and interpretation, geospatial analysis, statistical modelling, pooling and synthesis of environmental data (i.e. climate, topography, and soil), and literature reviews. Case studies (at least 3 farms in Tasmania) will represent different intensification levels of grazing and different strategies (i.e. irrigated, rainfed, grazing intensity) for managing these. · The project is open to Australian and New Zealand (domestic) candidates and to International candidates · Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis · Applicants must already have been awarded a first-class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector · Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.

Eligibility

from the following disciplines are eligible to apply:

Geography Agriculture · Environmental Science/Engineering · Computer Science

See the following web page for entry requirements: www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/what-is-a-research-degree

Application Process Applicants who require more information or are interested in this specific project should first contact the listed Supervisor. Information and guidance on the application process can be found on the Apply Now website. Information about scholarships is available on the Scholarships webpage. More Information Please contact, Dr. Iffat Ara for further information. Dr Iffat Ara Research Fellow (Spatial Scientist) Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Room 3.03, Old Medical Science Building University of Tasmania Private Bag 98 Hobart, Tasmania Australia, 7001 Mobile 0408900342 iffat.ara@utas.edu.au GEOINFORMERS.com