Research Assistant on remote sensing of tree cover change in Mali

The position will be part of the team of Prof. Patrick Meyfroidt at UCLouvain. Contracts will be based on Belgian regulations, depending on prior research experience, and will include the benefits of the Belgian social security such as health insurance. This offer is also published on Euraxess: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/638070 

This position is for one year, at 50%. This position will contribute to a research project funded by the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) appointed by CGIAR, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) in Germany, UC Santa Barbara (USA), and ICRISAT-Mali. The project is coordinated by Dr. Dilini Abeygunawardane at IAMO. 

Objectives: To assess the impacts of agricultural intensification interventions on forest and tree cover in and out of farmland in Mali. 

Research description: The Research Assistant will be in charge of producing time series of forest and tree cover maps in the study area (Sikasso region in Mali), based on remote sensing data (Sentinel 2, Landsat), as well as: contributing to the scientific organization of fieldwork ground truthing campaigns, the interactions with project’s partners, the reporting of the project, writing and communication of the outputs, and administrative tasks. 

Profiles required: A researcher holding a Master degree or equivalent experience in geography, geomatics, geoprocessing or related domains, with strong skills in remote sensing. 

Several skills can constitute strong assets for these positions: 

• Remote sensing skills in particular in Google Earth Engine 
• Experience with the context of Sahelian region (in terms of vegetation, agriculture, remote sensing)
• Data processing and programming skills in R or Python. 
• Spatial analyses and GIS. 

The candidate should demonstrate a solid command of the English language. 

Candidates should submit (i) a CV and (ii) a cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests, and, (iii) when appropriate, names and contacts of up to three referees.

The review of applications will start on June 1, 2021.