PhD Positions in Hydrological Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analytics at University of South Florida University of South Florida in United States

The Hydrological Remote Sensing Lab (HydroRS) at the University of South Florida (USF) is recruiting PhD students for Fall 2026. The lab focuses on interdisciplinary water resources research using advanced geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and AI/ML to study the global water cycle and water crises. Research topics include hydrological extremes, freshwater storage trends, human impacts on water, and changes in snowpacks and glaciers.

The lab collaborates with NASA and other institutions, and recent work has been featured in Science Magazine. Applicants should have a strong background in remote sensing or hydrology, experience with geospatial data processing (Python or R), and strong communication skills.

Preferred candidates will have peer-reviewed publications, experience with InSAR/LiDAR sensors or AI/ML, and familiarity with HPC or Google Earth Engine. All selected PhD students receive at least four years of funding through teaching and research assistantships, covering stipend and tuition. USF is a top 50 public university and AAU member, located in Tampa, Florida, offering a vibrant academic and lifestyle environment.

To apply, send your CV, three references, and a statement of research interests to Dr. Fangfang Yao ([email protected]) by Dec 1 for priority consideration; the official deadline is Jan 7, 2026.