Modelling permafrost extension and occurrence from satellite-derived vegetation and surficial geology maps

A funded graduate position (at the level of a NSERC scholarship) is available in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick. The project is funded by the Canadian Space Agency and is undertaken in collaboration with the Canadian Centre of Remote Sensing and Parks Canada. The applicant will integrate vegetation and surficial geology maps within a model designed to understand and forecast the long-term implications of climate change for the permafrost extent. The maps will be derived from optical and SAR imagery. Details on the model can be found in http://www.agu.org/journals/jd/jd0322/2002JD003354/2002JD003354.pdf

The project is best suited to a Ph.D. student, although exceptional M.Sc. applicants will be considered. The successful applicant will need to acquire skills in programming environments like MS Visual C++; thus, candidates with experiences in simulation modelling and computing language will be at significant advantage. Otherwise, the main qualifications for this position are strong quantitative skills and an interest in physical modelling and remote sensing. A working knowledge of GIS would also be an asset. The applicant will have the opportunity to travel to the Northwest Territories and northern Ontario for field work. Holders of NSERC PGS or other scholarships are obviously encouraged to apply.  A large portion of the time spent willl be at CCRS in Ottawa.

Applicants should submit by email a short statement of interest, a current CV, transcripts and the names of three references. The position must commence no later than September 2012. To apply, or for further information, contact the undersigned:

Professor Brigitte Leblon, UNB, (bleblon@unb.ca)
Dr. Yun Zhang, CCRS, ( Yu.Zhang@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca)

Professor/Professeure,
Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management,
University of New Brunswick
PO Box 4400
Fredericton, NB
Canada
E3B 5A3
PH: 506 453-4924    FAX: 506 453-3538