Publisher
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University of Helsinki

PhD Doctoral Researcher in 3D Forest Modelling and Remote Sensing University of Helsinki in Finland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 31, 2026

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Country

Finland

University

University of Helsinki

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Biology
Remote Sensing
Geography
Earth Science
Earth Observation
Rainforest Ecology
Biomass Valorization
Laser Scanning
Physics

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About this position

University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in 3D Forest Modelling and Remote Sensing within the VODBIO project (Vegetation Optical Depth as Biophysical Proxy: Retrieval, Validation, and Applications).

The project develops a physically based framework for interpreting satellite microwave vegetation optical depth (VOD) as an indicator of vegetation water content, biomass, and forest structure. The doctoral researcher will generate realistic three-dimensional representations of trees and forest stands to support microwave electromagnetic modelling and physically based VOD interpretation.

This PhD opportunity sits at the interface of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), quantitative structure modelling (QSM), forest ecology, and Earth observation. The work includes processing existing TLS datasets, collecting new field data, and building synthetic forest models that describe tree architecture, biomass distribution, foliage, and water-content-related properties.

The position is based at the Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, and is supervised by Janne Heiskanen and Eduardo Maeda. The researcher will collaborate with the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Aalto University, and international partners working on microwave remote sensing, electromagnetic simulations, VOD retrieval, and ecological interpretation.

Candidate backgrounds may include geography, forest sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, geoinformatics, physics, computer science, or related fields. Strong programming skills in Python or R are required. Experience with point cloud processing, TLS or airborne laser scanning, QSMs, GIS, or forest inventory is an advantage.

The position is fully funded for 3 years (36 months) and offers a starting salary of approximately EUR 2700–2900/month plus occupational health care and other social benefits. The starting date is negotiable but preferably no later than 2026-11-01.

Apply via the University of Helsinki recruitment system with a CV and a motivation letter (max 2 pages). The application deadline is 2026-08-31 at 23:59 EEST.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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