About the Project
Project Key Words: (enter 3 to help advertise on online platforms) image processing, machine learning, hyperspectral remote sensing
Post summary
An outstanding PhD student is sought for a 4-year fully funded project with the objective of developing and testing hyperspectral image classification techniques for mapping and monitoring of wetland ecosystems.
Wetlands are amongst the most valuable ecosystems on earth. They provide a broad range of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water supply and purification, as well as providing habitats to a diverse array of flora and fauna. However, climate change, biodiversity loss and eutrophication threaten many of the world’s wetland ecosystems. The sustainable management of wetlands requires us to have the ability to accurately map and monitor these ecosystems. In this context, airborne hyperspectral imaging represents an opportunity to revolutionise wetland ecosystem research by collecting imagery at an unprecedented spectral and spatial resolution at relatively low cost. However, a lack of proven and standardised mapping methodologies and similarity (visual and spectral) of complex vegetation in wetland ecosystems all represent significant barriers to the operational use of UAV-hyperspectral data.
The objective of this research is to develop and test a suite of reproducible airborne hyperspectral remote sensing image processing techniques for quantitative mapping and monitoring of ecologically significant wetland ecosystems. Whilst a range of Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques have been applied in the literature for UAV image segmentation, it remains unclear which approach is optimal for the identification of wetland communities. Therefore, relevant spectral indices and classification approaches will be developed to acquired hyperspectral imagery and compared for classifying wetland distribution and composition, tracking restoration, and correlating with ecosystem carbon fluxes.
The position is fully funded for four years and brings with it a stipend of €18,500/year plus fees together with provision for fieldwork, conferences and external course attendance. The successful candidate will join a growing Environmental Engineering research group at South East Technological University (SETU) and will work closely with existing PhD researchers developing UAV-multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing methods for mapping and monitoring intertidal and coastal ecosystems. The candidate will also get to work in collaboration with external project partners the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute and the Abbeyleix Bog Project community group. Person specification
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated researcher with interests in image processing, machine learning, remote sensing and/or environmental engineering. The PhD candidate should have the following qualifications, experience and competencies:
Qualifications
Essential
· Honours Degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline (computer science, engineering, electronic engineering, civil and environmental engineering) from an internationally recognised institution.
Desirable
· A Masters level qualification in remote sensing/image processing would also be desirable.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
· Knowledge of image processing, image classification and machine learning.
· A strong motivation for research and be able to demonstrate ability in data analysis, programming and remote sensing or demonstrate the capacity to develop such skills.
· Demonstrated organisational skills, time management and ability to work to priorities.
· Ability to write research reports or other publications to a publishable standard.
Desirable
· Experience in the use of fixed wing or rotor commercial drones would be an advantage.
Skills & Competencies
Essential
· Strong proficiency in spoken and written English is required, together with excellent written and oral communication skills.
· Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice
· In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application.
Desirable
· A full EU Drivers Licence is desirable.
Funding Notes
Department /School/Faculty
Built Environment/Faculty of Engineering
Duration
4 Years(48 Months )
Status: Full-time / part-time
Full Time
Funding information
SETU PhD Scholarship Programme 2023
Value of the scholarship per year for four years
Stipend: €18,500 per annum
Fees, up to a maximum of €5,750 per annum
Research costs: €2,000 per annum
References
Further information
For any informal queries, please contact Dr Owen Naughton on email owen.naughton@setu.ie
For queries relating to the application and admission process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office researchadmissions@setu.ie or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.
For queries relating to the funding programme, please email sarah.obrien@setu.ie
University Website https://www.setu.ie/
Application procedure
Download the Research Postgraduate Application Form and return the completed application to researchadmissions@setu.ie quoting advert reference code CW_2023_17_WSCH_3 from the above table in the email subject line.
Please note that paper submissions will not be accepted.
