About the PhD Position
Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Environmental Science within the Permafrost Remote Sensing group at Potsdam, Germany. This doctoral project focuses on analysing multi-decadal Arctic lake changes and permafrost thaw dynamics using historical and contemporary remote sensing imagery, contributing to advanced scholarship in climate change, permafrost carbon cycling, and AI-assisted Earth observation. The PhD will be supervised by Prof Dr Guido Grosse and Dr Ingmar Nitze and is affiliated with the international PeTCaT research consortium.
The position is funded for three years and provides a competitive salary under AWI’s doctoral funding scheme. Research activities include acquiring and processing historical satellite and aerial imagery (CORONA, HEXAGON), developing AI/ML workflows to detect permafrost landscape features such as lakes and thaw slumps, and integrating long-term datasets to assess panarctic thaw processes. The project offers access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources, structured doctoral training, and opportunities for international collaboration.
This PhD opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates with a Master’s degree in Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or related fields, who are motivated to pursue academic, research, or postdoctoral careers in Environmental Science and Climate Research. Candidates should have strong programming skills, experience with large datasets, and familiarity with AI/ML methods.
Explore fully funded PhD and research opportunities in Environmental Science for international scholars seeking advanced academic positions, interdisciplinary training, climate research projects, and global career development.
Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Arctic Lake Remote Sensing
- Institution: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Germany
- Department: Permafrost Remote Sensing Group
- Supervisor: Prof Dr Guido Grosse & Dr Ingmar Nitze
- Location: Potsdam, Germany
- Duration: 3 years (with an optional 4th year for teaching)
- Funding: Gross annual salary under AWI doctoral scheme
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s in Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or related fields
Explore fully funded research positions and academic opportunities in Germany, advance your research career, engage in international collaborations, gain interdisciplinary training, and access top universities for global academic growth.
Research Focus
- Long-term analysis of Arctic permafrost thaw and lake dynamics
- Historical and contemporary Earth Observation data processing
- AI/ML-based feature extraction of permafrost landscape features
- Quantification of panarctic permafrost disturbance processes
- Integration with process and climate models for greenhouse gas projections
Explore advanced research jobs and academic positions in Remote Sensing worldwide, offering fully funded PhD and postdoctoral opportunities, international collaborations, career development, publications, and global academic growth for scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or related discipline
- Experience handling and processing large-scale remote sensing datasets
- Strong programming and automation skills
- Knowledge of AI/ML methods for environmental applications
- English proficiency (CEFR C1 or equivalent)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Background in permafrost, landscape disturbance processes, or climate modelling
- Experience in scientific publications and international conferences
Discover fully funded PhD positions and scholarships for international students seeking advanced doctoral research and global academic opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Acquire, preprocess, and analyse multi-decadal satellite and aerial imagery
- Develop AI/ML workflows for feature extraction and mapping
- Collaborate with international team members across multiple work packages
- Present research findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- Write a cumulative doctoral thesis with at least three research manuscripts
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter outlining research interests and experience
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Contact details for at least two academic references
Important Dates:
- Application Open: Immediately
- Application Deadline: 23 April 2026 (08:48 UTC)
- Expected Start Date: Flexible / Summer 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
- Departments: AWI Official Site
- Official Job Announcement: PhD Position – Job Profile
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
📧 Contact for Queries: personal@awi.de
📞 Phone: +49 471 4831-0
AWI supports work-life balance and helps international researchers settle in smoothly, with guidance from the Family and International Offices.
As part of the Helmholtz Association—the largest scientific organisation in Germany—AWI provides world-class research facilities and global collaboration opportunities.
This Fully Funded PhD offers an exceptional chance for scholars to advance in Environmental Science, AI-powered remote sensing, and permafrost research at a leading international institute in Germany.
Explore fully funded PhD programmes, scholarships, and global academic opportunities for early-career researchers seeking international study, research funding, interdisciplinary training, career development, and access to top universities worldwide.
