PhD student in Soil Modeling
Soil System Sciences (SSS)
Description
The Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) coordination unit (https://www.agmip.org) and Soil System Research Group at Columbia University (https://xia-soil-systems-lab-columbia.squarespace.com/) invite applications for a Ph.D. position in environmental data science, with a focus on developing novel artificial intelligence (AI)-driven model ensemble methods that assimilate observation data to generate improved model outcomes. The successful candidate will engage in national model intercomparison and ensemble efforts aimed at improving estimates of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. The candidate will gain experience in harmonizing datasets across different scales, conducting uncertainty analysis, and designing platforms to visualize model outcomes, which will inform agricultural management decisions and policymaking. The successful candidate will work closely with a large network of soil modeling groups. For more information about the DEES program, please refer to the link here: https://eesc.columbia.edu/content/graduate-prospective-students
Qualifications
Candidates should have recently completed or be nearing completion of a B.S. or B.A. in agronomy, soil science, environmental data science, earth system science, ecology, remote sensing, computer science, or a closely related field. The successful candidate should have demonstrated knowledge of environmental or ecosystem processes. Strong data science skills, including geospatial analysis and cloud computing, as well as proficiency in coding languages such as R, Python, and Google Earth Engine, are highly preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with the ability to network and collaborate effectively, are also essential for success in this Ph.D. position. For international applicants, please follow the instructions here: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/information-international-applicants). The minimum English requirement is a TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.5.
About DEES
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES) at Columbia University hosts one of the top-rated earth and environmental science programs internationally. The U.S. News ranks Columbia’s Environmental Sciences as the 2nd in the country and Earth Sciences as the 4th.
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Yushu Xia (yushuxia@ldeo.columbia.edu) with the subject “Prospective PhD student” before applying. In your email, please state your research interest and include a curriculum vitae. If you are an international student, please also confirm that you meet the minimum English requirements.