M.Sc. / Ph.D. Thesis Opportunity: Use of satellite and UAV imagery to map eelgrass beds in shallow coastal waters across Atlantic Canada
A two year M. Sc. thesis scholarship or a three year Ph.D. scholarship is available at the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) to take part in a research program on eelgrass (Zostera marina) across Atlantic Canada. The main activities will involve the development of image processing methods as well as participation over the field season in ground-truth data collection with community groups. The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Brigitte Leblon (UNB), Dr. Armand LaRocque (UNB), and Angela Douglass (Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability). The student will work with regional community watershed organizations, as well as universities and government agencies (Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada) throughout Atlantic Canada. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will have completed an undergraduate (graduate for the Ph.D.) degree in biology, geography, or environmental science, be self-motivated, have strong communication skills, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks. Knowledge of optical image processing, UAV image processing, geographic information systems (GIS) and/or eelgrass ecosystems is an asset. SCUBA diving certification will also be considered an asset, but funding will be available for diving certification for the chosen candidate. BENEFITS The work will expose the student to state-of-the-art remote sensing technology and practice. Students involved in the research will work with community groups involved in environmental monitoring, as well as with Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada scientists. The student will have the opportunity to develop working relationships with these potential future employers. He/she will also be able to get his/her SCUBA diving certification, if not already possessed. TO APPLY The position should be filled as soon as possible. Please send your CV, transcripts, list of publications, and reference names as a single pdf file to Dr. Brigitte Leblon (bleb...@unb.ca<mailto:bleb...@unb.ca>).
