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About the Fully Funded Ph.D. Opportunity at the University of Utah
The University of Utah, a leading research institution in the United States, is currently offering a fully funded Ph.D. position starting in Spring 2026. This prestigious program is hosted under the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy. The position is supervised by Dr. Sonam Sherpa, an Assistant Professor whose work focuses on integrating remote sensing, water resources, and environmental hazard studies to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges.
This program provides a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to work at the intersection of satellite remote sensing, geospatial science, and artificial intelligence. The primary research focus lies in addressing environmental and hydrologic hazards using advanced Earth observation technologies and computational approaches. Students will gain direct exposure to groundbreaking datasets such as SWOT, NISAR, GRACE/GRACE-FO, and GNSS time series, making this an ideal pathway for those interested in applying cutting-edge science to real-world climate and water resource issues.
Eligible Fields
The Ph.D. position is open to candidates from a broad range of academic and technical fields, including:
- Geography
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Hydrology and Water Resources
- Remote Sensing and Geospatial Science
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science (with focus on data science, AI, or machine learning applications)
- Other closely related disciplines
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this Ph.D. opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree in one of the eligible fields (completed before January 2026).
- Demonstrated experience in satellite remote sensing and geospatial data analysis.
- Proficiency in at least one programming or data analysis language (such as Python, MATLAB, or R).
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for academic writing and presentations.
- For international students, proof of English language proficiency is required:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80
- IELTS: Minimum band of 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105
Familiarity with hydrological, cryospheric, or geophysical datasets will be considered an added advantage.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed on:
- Academic excellence and research potential in relevant fields.
- Evidence of technical competence in remote sensing, machine learning, and data fusion methods.
- Clear motivation and interest in pursuing research on environmental hazards, water systems, and climate change.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
- Strength of the applicant’s statement of purpose and alignment with Dr. Sherpa’s research interests.
Eligible Countries
The Ph.D. position is open to applicants from all countries worldwide. The University of Utah values diversity and encourages applications from international students who bring unique perspectives and research experience.
Required Documents
Applicants will need to prepare the following:
- Completed initial expression of interest form (due September 9, 2025).
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
- Official transcripts of all university-level coursework.
- Statement of purpose outlining research interests, motivation, and career goals.
- Two to three recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers).
Benefits of the Fully Funded Ph.D. Opportunity at the University of Utah
This fully funded Ph.D. program offers an excellent package to ensure financial stability and academic success throughout the 4–5 years of study:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program.
- A competitive stipend to cover living expenses.
- Comprehensive health insurance and additional benefits.
- Research and travel support, enabling students to attend conferences, workshops, and fieldwork.
- Access to world-class research facilities at the University of Utah and collaboration with experts at the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy.
Beyond academic benefits, students will also live in Salt Lake City, Utah, a hub for environmental research and outdoor exploration, offering a vibrant cultural and scientific environment.
How to Apply
The application process involves two main steps:
- Initial Expression of Interest
- Fill out the official application form to express your interest in the program.
- Deadline: September 9, 2025.
- Early submissions are highly encouraged as shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.
- Departmental Application
- Selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application through the University of Utah’s departmental system.
- Deadline: October 1, 2025.
For further information or questions, applicants can directly contact:
Dr. Sonam Sherpa
Assistant Professor, School of Environment, Society & Sustainability
Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy, University of Utah
Email: sonam.sherpa@ess.utah.edu
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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