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Noemi Vergopolan

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PhD Position in Computational Hydrology, Remote Sensing, and AI at Rice University Rice University in United States

I am recruiting a fully funded PhD student in computational hydrology, remote sensing, and AI at Rice University for Fall 2026.

Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Remote Sensing
Hydrology
Artificial Intelligence
Earth Science
Data Assimilation
Water Resource Management
Drought

Description

Rice University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Hydrology and Remote Sensing, starting Fall 2026. The position is supervised by Assistant Professor Noemi Vergopolan and focuses on computational and data-intensive research at the intersection of water resources, artificial intelligence, and satellite remote sensing. Research topics include advancing terrestrial hydrology, physics-informed AI modeling for hydrologic prediction, satellite data assimilation, and studying droughts and agricultural resilience. Students in this group will work with large-scale datasets, advanced models, and AI tools, collaborating across Earth science, engineering, and data science disciplines. The research aims to address problems with direct societal and decision-making relevance. The PhD program is part of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (EEPS) at Rice University, which offers a multidisciplinary environment and collaborates with several research centers, including the Center for Computational Geophysics and the Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology. Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds such as geosciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or computer science are encouraged to apply. The program does not require GRE scores, and international students must provide proof of English proficiency unless their previous instruction was in English. The application package should include transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of research goals. The application deadline is January 9, 2026. All full-time PhD students receive a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend for the duration of their studies, funded through university endowment, fellowships, research grants, and teaching assistantships. Additional competitive fellowships may be available. For more information, visit the department website or contact the graduate program administrator. Key research areas: Computational Hydrology, Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Water Resources, Physics-informed AI, Hydrologic Prediction, Data Assimilation, Droughts, Agricultural Resilience, Earth Science. Application links and further details are provided in the announcement.

Funding

The PhD position is fully funded, including a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend for the duration of the program. Funding is provided through a combination of university endowment, fellowships, faculty research grants, and teaching assistantships. Additional competitive fellowships may be available.

How to apply

Submit an online application via the Rice University graduate admissions portal. Prepare transcripts, three recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency if required. Review position details and background at the provided links. Contact the department for questions or fee waiver requests.

Requirements

Applicants should have a strong interest in geosciences, computational hydrology, remote sensing, or related fields. A background in physics, chemistry, math, engineering, or computer science is valued. Applicants must submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and, if applicable, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. GRE scores are not required. International students must provide proof of English proficiency unless their instruction was in English. A thoughtful statement of goals and plans of study is encouraged. An $85 application fee applies, with waivers available upon request.

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