Space4Nature (S4N): Using Earth Observation for the assessment of Urban, Peri-Urban and Wetland Sites

We invite applicants with a keen Interest in/previous experience with biodiversity and habitat assessment (EO or ground-based assessment would be an advantage) to contact us now so that you can be considered for this exciting PDS doctoral research opportunity starting in late April 2023.

SWT focus on key areas of the county to maximise their impacts for biodiversity on the ground. These key areas are called ‘Biodiversity Opportunity Areas’ or BOAs. The aim is to deliver habitat creation or restoration targets relevant to that BOA, to develop specific species targets that are relevant to that habitat and to increase the connectivity within, and between, BOAs. This includes urban and peri-urban environments. Space 4 Nature (S4N) contributes to the work being done within the BOAs and beyond and the S4N partnership between CES at UoS and SWT supports this PDS project to:

• Research the use of innovative Earth Observation/AI capabilities, particularly VHR satellite imagery (also drones, aerial photography) for several selected research sites and, combined with developing AI capabilities and on-the-ground data, to assess habitat attributes such as quality, connectivity/networks to enhance the biodiversity and nature recovery in these sites.
• Work with diverse partners to disseminate the results from the research. This will include academic publication, outputs tailored to a more general audience and open source outputs e.g. habitat maps, community events etc.
• Contribute to the education of Surrey students about the S4N programme, and local schools.

The PDS Programme will start in late April 2023 with an approximate 3-month intensive training programme at CES, University of Surrey after which the Doctoral Practitioner (DP) will join the research team at SWT and CES in July 2023. During the training, the DP will be in contact with SWT/CES drafting the project plan and assimilating the relevant literature. After the initial training period, the DP will undertake their research spending time flexibly at both SWT and CES according to the research needs.

Open to UK candidates only.

Minimum Upper Second UK or equivalent BSc/BA degree and/or MSc/MA at Merit or equivalent in a discipline relevant to diverse aspects of applied sustainability research and thinking. Broadly, these may well be in bioscience,  maths, physical sciences, engineering but we welcome applications from any relevant  disciplinary background.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience in industry/business, government and/or NGO/third sector organisations and account is taken of such relevant experience in balance with formal qualifications as outlined above.

Person Specification (Essential (E), Desirable (D) )

•             English proficiency (E)

•             Expertise in computer science and/or engineering (E)

•             A passion for the environment (D)

•             Inquisitive nature (E)

•             Ability to work independently (E)

•             Technical skills needed – such as computer programming skills in EO (E), GIS(E), mapping (D), AI (D)

•             Strong communication skills (E)

•             Evidence of ability to engage with diverse stakeholders at all levels (D)

•             The candidate must be able to display a capacity for independent thought, as well as a pragmatic attitude to applying advanced research to practical/’real world’ issues (E)