PhD in Earth Observation, AI, and Computer Vision for Forest Canopy Height Reconstruction
University of Zurich is recruiting
three PhD candidates
for an SNSF-funded project on
forest canopy height reconstruction from satellite data
. The positions are part of the project
“From Alps to Arctic: Satellite-based Assessment of Forest Canopy Height across Decades”
, jointly led by
Prof. Livia Piermattei
(Remote Sensing of Environmental Changes Group, Department of Geography) and
Prof. Jan Dirk Wegner
(EcoVision Lab, Department of Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning).
The research combines
earth observation
,
remote sensing
,
AI
,
computer vision
, and
machine learning
to reconstruct forest change across the Alps and Arctic using modern and historical satellite imagery. Topics include deep learning for satellite image time series, self-supervised and multimodal learning, domain adaptation, super-resolution of historical imagery, photogrammetry, laser altimetry, uncertainty estimation, and forest change analysis.
This specific advertised PhD position focuses on reconstructing forest canopy height models from optical stereo satellite imagery across alpine and boreal forests. The project uses archives such as SPOT-5, Pléiades, WorldView, ArcticDEM, ICESat-2, GEDI, and airborne LiDAR to generate multi-temporal DSMs and CHMs spanning more than two decades, and to study long-term forest structural dynamics, disturbance, growth, loss, and regeneration.
Eligibility:
MSc degree in photogrammetry, remote sensing, geomatics, geodesy, physical geography, environmental sciences, computer science, geoinformatics, aero/astro engineering, or a related field. Strong interest or experience in remote sensing data processing, stereo photogrammetry/SfM, VHR satellite imagery, LiDAR or laser altimetry, geospatial data processing, and scientific programming is expected. Experience with point clouds, computer vision, machine learning, Linux, Git, Jupyter, cloud computing, and open-source geospatial tools is a plus.
Funding:
Fully funded 4-year PhD position. The project provides access to unique datasets, computational resources, and collaboration with researchers across Europe and Canada.
Application:
Apply via the UZH job portal with a cover letter, CV, publication list (if any), master certificate, master thesis or draft, and contact details for two referees. Applications are reviewed from 17 August 2026 until the position is filled. Start date is 1 January 2027 or by agreement.
