CSIR NRE and Meraka Institute – Pretoria
Master’s and Doctoral opportunities in remote sensing

Two leading remote sensing research groups seek motivated and enthusiastic Master’s and doctoral students to conduct original research toward the development of Earth Observation applications in support of the South African Earth Observation Strategy.

The Natural Resource and Environment’s (NRE) Ecosystem Earth Observation group conducts remote sensing research for improved understanding, management and monitoring of natural resources. Current efforts are geared towards system-level remote sensing across various scales, which include ecosystem state description, definition, modelling, change detection and mapping. The group seeks to expand their capability in LiDAR, hyperspectral and radar technologies. In particular, we are interested in investigating seasonal variation of tropical humid forest leaf and canopy attributes and its implications on forest disturbance and species mapping. We are also developing a suite of remote sensing techniques for multiscale assessment of woody structure, biomass, and carbon stock in African savannas and woodlands, including ground laser scanner. Students are sought for the following applications: 

Indigenous forest monitoring (optical hyperspectral – multispectral imagery)-Ref 4734 

1 Doctoral student 
Master’s students
Woodland / forest biomass assessment (LiDAR, radar, and optical imagery)-Ref 4734 

Doctoral student 
Master’s student
The Meraka’s Remote Sensing Research unit uses advanced information technology to derive information from large volumes of satellite data and therefore employs people from diverse backgrounds, for example, geomatics, environmental sciences, computer science and electronic engineering. We are investigating statistical and machine learning methods to detect environmental trends and change using multiple earth observation data sets. In particular, we are interested in analysing long-term active fire and burned area data in relation to climate data and satellite-derived vegetation information to understand fire regimes and how they might change under climate change. In addition, we would like to fuse information from coarse resolution satellite time series data with high-resolution images for change detection. Students are sought for the following applications: 

Time-series analysis of fire and vegetation patterns-Ref 4735 

Doctoral or Master’s student 
Master’s students
Change detection-Ref 4735 

Doctoral or Master’s student
Successful applicants will possess either an Honours degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for doctoral applicants) in remote sensing, environmental sciences, image processing, electronic engineering or a related field with a good academic record. The appointment will be made in accordance with the CSIR’s employment equity initiatives and this specific call is limited to South African citizens. Applicants must indicate for which position and degree they are applying. In some cases, the successful applicants will be required to enrol with a collaborating university 

Go to this website to apply online:http://www.csir.co.za/apply.php

Download printable version 

Closing date: 10 January 2011

Applications must include:
CV(with contact details of referees)
Exam Certificate
List of publications(if any)

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

Should you experience any problems in submitting your application, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre at Recruitmentqueries@csir.co.za. Please do not submit your application to this mailbox. 
The CSIR gives preference to candidates who meet the job requirements and who will add to the cultural and gender diversity of the organisation. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. 

http://www.csir.co.za/recruitment/NRE_Meraka_Nov.php