PhD and MS Positions in Geotechnical and Hydrologic Hazards, Remote Sensing, and AI/ML at Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University in United States

Georgia Southern University’s Department of Civil Engineering & Construction is inviting applications for one Ph.D. student and one M.S. student to join a research group led by Dr. Incheol Kim.

The group works on geotechnical and hydrologic hazards, infrastructure behavior and stability, NASA satellite data, remote sensing, AI/ML, and experimental-numerical modeling. Research topics include groundwater fluctuation, land subsidence, flooding, drought, post-wildfire impacts, freezing–thawing soil behavior, and deformation/stability of infrastructure systems.

Specific research areas include geotechnical and hydrologic hazard assessment using NASA satellite data; groundwater and land deformation monitoring using GRACE/GRACE-FO, InSAR, NISAR, and GNSS; AI/ML-based groundwater level prediction and land subsidence analysis; experimental-numerical modeling of freezing and thawing soils; and behavior/stability assessment of roads, levees, foundations, slopes, and related infrastructure.

Applicants should have a background in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, geoscience, remote sensing, data science, or a closely related field. Ph.D. applicants should have, or be completing, a master’s degree; M.S. applicants should have, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree. Preferred experience includes satellite remote sensing, InSAR, GRACE/GRACE-FO, NISAR, GNSS, GIS, Python, MATLAB, AI/ML, experimental testing, or numerical modeling.

English proficiency is required: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+.

Funding is expected through research assistantship or teaching assistantship, including tuition support and a monthly stipend, plus opportunities to participate in research projects, journal publications, and conference presentations. The final package will follow departmental and university policies.

To apply, email the PI with your CV/resume, unofficial transcript, TOEFL or IELTS score, brief statement of research interests, and any publications, conference papers, or research portfolio. In your email, mention your intended degree program, preferred starting semester, research interests, and relevant experience.

Starting terms mentioned are Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Fall 2027.