PhD Research Assistantship – Precision Agriculture & Remote Sensing | University of Georgia

University: University of Georgia, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Position Available: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship – Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing

Research Area: Precision Agriculture | Remote Sensing | UAV & Satellite Imaging | Thermal Imagery | Geostatistics | Data Analysis | Machine Learning | Agricultural Engineering

The University of Georgia (UGA), College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
, is offering a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) PhD opportunity in Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing under the supervision of Dr. Lorena Lacerda
.

The selected student will work with the Lacerda Research Group
, which is part of UGA’s Integrative Precision Agriculture (IPA) team
. The research will focus on applying satellite and UAV-based remote sensing, geostatistics, thermal imagery, and data analysis to precision agriculture applications.

The PhD research will focus on using remote sensing technologies to support precision agriculture applications and improve agricultural data-driven decision-making.

Apply satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery to collect and analyze agricultural information.

Work particularly with thermal imagery obtained through UAV and satellite platforms for agricultural research and precision agriculture applications.

Use geostatistical approaches and data analysis techniques to analyze spatial agricultural datasets and remote sensing observations.

Applicants with experience in machine learning are welcome, while candidates with a strong interest in learning and applying ML approaches will also be considered.

The position involves extensive fieldwork
, including UAV-based data collection and agricultural field measurements.

The student will become part of UGA’s Integrative Precision Agriculture (IPA) team
, contributing to interdisciplinary precision agriculture research.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Documented experience in remote sensing
  , particularly involving thermal imagery from UAVs and/or satellites
  .
• Experience with or strong interest in machine learning
  .
• Strong interest in precision agriculture and agricultural remote sensing
  .
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills
  .
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team.
• Willingness to perform extensive agricultural fieldwork
  .
• A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.
• A UAV pilot license or willingness to obtain the required certification.

Due to the short timeline between the application process and the start of the PhD program,
preference will be given to applicants who are already residing in the United States
.

• PhD research experience in precision agriculture and remote sensing
  .
• Hands-on experience with UAV and satellite-based agricultural data
  .
• Training in thermal imagery analysis
  .
• Experience with geostatistics and agricultural data analysis
  .
• Opportunities to develop skills in machine learning applications
  .
• Extensive fieldwork and UAV-based data collection experience
  .
• Collaboration within UGA’s Integrative Precision Agriculture (IPA) team
  .
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary agricultural research environment.
• Advanced research experience relevant to careers in precision agriculture, remote sensing, agricultural engineering, geospatial analysis, and data science
  .

Position: Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)

Duration: 3 Years

Expected Start: Spring 2027

Research Team: UGA Integrative Precision Agriculture (IPA) Team

Funding…