Open Positions

The School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) at University of Florida, is seeking self-motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher position. Successful candidates will join Dr. Chunli Dai's team, working on research projects in the area of InSAR and its applications.

The main tasks of this position include:

1) Analyze multiplatform InSAR data (Sentinel, ALOS-2, NISAR) to measure ground deformation.

2) Detect sinkholes or coseismic deformations, and constrain various physical models of crustal deformation.

3) Develop methodologies to improve InSAR performance.

4) Calibration/validation of InSAR deformation results.

5) Integration of InSAR with other remote sensing techniques (GNSS, imagery feature tracking).

This effort is expected to result in several publications in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to mentor students and collaborate on grant proposals. This postdoctoral position is anticipated to begin immediately for the duration of two years with the possibility of one additional year extension.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in geodesy, geophysics, geosciences, engineering, or other related disciplines. Strong knowledge of math, physics, and computer programming.

To apply:

Please email Dr. Chunli Dai (chunlidai at ufl.edu) with a CV and transcripts (GPA). Reference letters may be requested.

Campus Information:

The University of Florida (http://www.ufl.edu/) is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (http://ifas.ufl.edu/) includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (http://cals.ufl.edu/), the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station (http://research.ifas.ufl.edu/), the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/), the College of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/), the Florida Sea Grant (http://www.flseagrant.org/) program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain).

The Geomatics (https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/about/geomatics/) program in the SFFGS is the oldest and largest ABET-accredited Geomatics program in Florida. It is also one of the few programs in the U.S. that offers Geomatics-related degrees at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. The Program is housed at the main campus in Gainesville, the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), and the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Plant City.

The University of Florida is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. All positions require the passing of a background check.

The School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS), University of Florida, is seeking self-motivated candidates for a Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. student) position, with the earliest starting date in Fall 2024 (Fall deadline - January 1, Spring deadline - September 1). Successful candidates will join Dr. Chunli Dai's team, working on funded research projects in the general area of geodesy.

The main ongoing projects in Dai's group include:

1) coseismic deformation study using various remote sensing data (GPS, InSAR, satellite imagery, satellite gravimetry)

2) landslide detection and machine learning using digital elevation models

3) coastline mapping from satellite imagery

4) groundwater and regional subsidence monitoring from satellite gravimetry

5) geoid determination from various gravity and leveling data.

The Graduate Research Assistantship is designed to provide full-time, graduate students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and assistance with tuition while attending college. The graduate assistant is expected to carry out the important functions of researching assignments and perform well academically to retain the assistantship. Reappointment is not automatic for assistants who meet the minimum criteria. Rather, the final decision will be based on departmental needs, financial resources, and the supervisor's evaluation. 

The graduate assistant must maintain a 3.0 average GPA and is expected to make steady progress toward the degree. Students must reapply on a yearly basis. Students dropping below a 3.0 GPA are ineligible. Ordinarily, a student will hold only one assistantship at a time, and will not engage in full-time employment while holding the Graduate Assistantship. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must first maintain the skills required to perform the particular duties involved. While the academic record is a priority, outstanding interpersonal skills and facility in written and spoken English are also important. 

Additional criteria include:

1. At least a 3.0 (B, or 83) undergraduate GPA 

2. Full-time status (9 semester hours) 

3. Full graduate standing admission (i.e., all required credentials and test scores on file) 

4. No full-time employment 

5. B.S. or M.S Degree in Geodesy, Geophysics, Geomatics, Physics, or other related disciplines

6. Basic programming skills in Matlab, Fortran, Python, or Linux/Unix scripting 

In particular, self-motivated individuals who have research experience/interests in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Physical geodesy, satellite geodesy, and remote sensing techniques (InSAR, GPS, GRACE, satellite photogrammetry, etc)

• Geophysics and solid earth deformation (coseismic deformation, coastal subsidence, etc)

To apply:

Please email Dr. Chunli Dai (chunlidai at ufl.edu) with a detailed CV, including your transcripts (GPA), scores of TOEFL (or IELTS), and GRE, if applicable and available.

The University of Florida is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. Federal law requires identity and employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 within three (3) business days of employment. All positions require the passing of a background check.