Terje Gobakken

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering a 3-year PhD position within the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management (MINA), focused on developing deep learning models for 3D forest point clouds. This position is part of the SmartForest research-driven innovation center, which aims to advance digitalized and sustainable forest management using cutting-edge technologies. The successful candidate will work on developing both supervised and self-supervised deep learning algorithms to process and analyze 3D point cloud data from LiDAR and photogrammetry, with the goal of characterizing forest ecosystem structure and function. The project seeks to push the boundaries of current computer vision models, expanding their applicability from high-resolution, small-area datasets to lower-resolution, landscape-level datasets. The candidate will be expected to contribute to a variety of downstream tasks, including the assessment of forest structure and biodiversity. Applicants must have a master's degree in machine learning, computer science, or a forest-related field with a focus on remote sensing, and demonstrate experience with deep learning. Additional skills in handling forest ecosystem data, 3D point clouds, programming (including Docker and containerization), and proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language are valued. The position offers a starting salary of NOK 550,800 per year and follows national guidelines for PhD scholars in Norway. The application process requires submission of a motivation letter, CV, certified academic documents, proof of English proficiency, references, and other relevant documentation. The faculty is known for its vibrant research culture and international quality, with expertise spanning geology, hydrology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, and more. NMBU provides a supportive and interdisciplinary environment, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The application deadline is November 10, 2025. For further information, applicants may contact Professors Rasmus Astrup or Terje Gobakken.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering a fully funded three-year PhD position in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing for forest mapping. This research opportunity is part of the SmartForest center for research-based innovation, where NMBU is the main research partner alongside the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research. The project aims to leverage the increasing digitalization and new sensor technologies in forestry, which generate vast amounts of data, to improve the accuracy and utility of forest ecosystem information. The successful candidate will develop machine learning models that integrate data collected by forest machines with remote sensing data, such as images, lidar, and photogrammetric point clouds from drones, aircraft, and satellites. These models will be used to characterize forest structure and support sustainable forest management at both local and landscape scales. The research will involve comparing machine learning approaches with existing methods and evaluating their effectiveness. The position is placed within a vibrant research culture at MINA, which is known for high levels of scientific production and international quality research in fields such as geology, hydrology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, and natural resource management. Applicants must have a relevant academic background equivalent to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, with 120 ECTS credits at the master's level, including a substantial thesis or written assignment. A minimum average grade of B in the ECTS grading system and documented proficiency in English are required. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in forest sciences with a focus on remote sensing or data science, competence in machine learning, programming skills, experience in Nordic forest management, and a category B driving license. The position offers a starting salary of NOK 550,800 and follows national guidelines for PhD scholars. The application process requires submission of a motivation letter, CV, certified academic documents, proof of English proficiency, references, and any additional relevant documentation. The deadline for applications is 13th November 2025. For further information, applicants may contact Professor Terje Gobakken at [email protected]. NMBU is committed to diversity and workplace adaptations for persons with disabilities. The university is recognized for its outstanding research, education, and student satisfaction, and offers a unique interdisciplinary environment for its graduates.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering two three-year PhD scholarships within the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), focusing on the application of artificial intelligence and remote sensing for improved forest mapping and precision forestry. These positions are part of the SmartForest center for research-based innovation, where NMBU collaborates closely with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). PhD candidates will develop advanced machine learning models to produce forest information at both local and landscape scales, supporting sustainable forest management. The research will leverage new sensors and digitalization, utilizing vast quantities of data from sources such as drones, aircraft, satellites, and forest machines. Remotely sensed data—including images, lidar, and photogrammetric point clouds—will be central to the project, enabling enhanced forest inventories and environmental information provision. Main tasks include developing and comparing machine learning models with existing methods, evaluating their usefulness, and contributing to the advancement of precision forestry. The successful candidates are expected to establish a progress plan for their doctoral work early in the appointment, aiming to complete their PhD within the scholarship period. Applicants must have a strong academic background equivalent to a five-year Norwegian degree programme (120 ECTS credits at master's level), including a Master's thesis or individual written assignment of at least 30 ECTS credits. An average grade of B or above in the ECTS grading system is required, along with documented proficiency in both written and oral English. A Master's degree in forest sciences or related fields with a focus on remote sensing or data science is essential. Additional skills in remote sensing, machine learning, programming, and Nordic forest management are highly valued. A category B driving license is required. Candidates should be highly motivated, creative, analytical, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Proficiency in a Scandinavian language is preferred. The positions are placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow, with a starting salary of NOK 550,800. Employment follows national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars. NMBU offers a vibrant research culture, internationally recognized research environments, and a supportive student community. Workplace adaptations are available for persons with disabilities. To apply, candidates must submit an online application via the University's Web Recruitment System, including a motivation letter, complete CV, certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates, diploma supplements, documentation of English proficiency, and names and contact details for two references. Applicants from universities outside Norway should provide a diploma supplement or similar document detailing their study program and grading system. Original diplomas and certificates must be presented at interview. For further information, contact Professor Terje Gobakken at [email protected]. The application deadline is 3rd May 2026. More information about NMBU and the MINA faculty can be found at www.nmbu.no/en .

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering two fully funded, three-year PhD scholarships focused on the application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) for improved forest mapping and precision forestry. These positions are part of the SmartForest center for research-based innovation, where NMBU collaborates closely with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) to advance sustainable forest management through cutting-edge technology. The research will center on developing and applying advanced machine learning models to analyze remotely sensed data—including images, lidar, and photogrammetric point clouds—collected from drones, aircraft, and satellites. The goal is to enhance forest inventories, environmental monitoring, and sustainable management practices at both local and landscape scales. Candidates will compare new AI-driven methods with existing approaches to evaluate their effectiveness and utility in forestry applications. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree (or equivalent) in forest sciences, environmental science, data science, or a related field, with a strong academic record (grade B or above in the ECTS system). Required skills include competence in remote sensing, machine learning, programming, and preferably Nordic forest management. Proficiency in English (written and oral) is mandatory, and knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an advantage. A category B driving license is also required. Candidates should be highly motivated, analytical, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. The positions offer a starting salary of NOK 550,800 per year and follow national guidelines for PhD scholars. Employment is full-time and temporary for three years, with the expectation that successful candidates will complete their doctorate within the scholarship period. The application process also serves as an application for admission to the MINA PhD programme at NMBU. To apply, candidates must submit an online application via the university's recruitment system, including a motivation letter, CV (entered in JobbNorge's CV form), certified copies of diplomas and transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and contact details for two references. International applicants should provide a diploma supplement or similar documentation describing their study program and grading system. The application deadline is May 3, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Terje Gobakken at [email protected]. More details about the faculty and university can be found at www.nmbu.no/en .