Remote sensing of freshwater habitats using drones

NIVA is seeking a PhD candidate in remote sensing using drones for mapping and monitoring freshwater ecosystems. The project will develop and validate new observation tools for freshwater habitat structure, biodiversity and ecosystem health to be used to evaluate habitat extent and restoration success in Norwegian rivers. The candidate will advance environmental monitoring by integrating autonomous surface and aerial drones with ground surveys of physical habitat and vegetation structure in freshwaters and riparian zones. The work will support measurement of freshwater habitat extent across larger areas than is currently possible with ground surveys (e.g. for NiN Limnisk) and help develop new tools for assessing the success of river restoration projects.

The candidate will be a member of the Freshwater Ecology Section, based in NIVA’s Oslo office, and work in an interdisciplinary team, including a supervisor from NIVA’s SeaBee team (Norway’s research infrastructure for drone-based research, mapping and monitoring of coastal zones), and a Norwegian university. The position is a 3-year full-time appointment, with the possibility of a 1-year extension (25% research assistant). The candidate will be enrolled in a PhD programme at a University in Norway and participate in research training courses there as stipulated in their PhD training programme, as well as training in field surveys, GIS and image analysis provided by NIVA.

About the project

The goal of the position is to complete a doctoral degree in environmental science that will provide the candidate with a strong training in freshwater ecology and the application of drones equipped with state-of-the-art advanced optical sensors (RGB, multi‑ and hyperspectral, and LiDAR), together with AI‑based image analysis.

The project will focus especially on improved mapping of the submerged physical and vegetation habitats found within rivers and quantifying habitat extent, structure and condition of vegetation. It will examine how optical properties and light conditions of water (e.g. clear, humic, turbid) affect mapping and develop AI models to incorporate variability in field conditions.

The algorithms and products developed will be applied at a river case-study in Norway to demonstrate their value in measuring habitat extent and changes in river habitats following restoration measures or extreme events.
The candidate will build on drone products developed for submerged coastal habitats and have possibilities to collaborate with ongoing research projects developing satellite products for inland waters and other on-going freshwater survey and restoration projects.

The candidate will undertake fieldwork at sites across Norway to collect ground truth data on physical habitats and vegetation in rivers and take part in drone surveys. Some laboratory work associated with sediment and vegetation analysis may be expected. Opportunities for training and disseminating results through SeaBee and international research collaborations, such as the EurAqua Network, will be encouraged.

The preferred starting date is 01.09.2026.

Tasks

• Complete PhD training in line with the university programme
• Carry out fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and drone data processing
• Develop algorithms and AI model for mapping riverine habitats
• Apply algorithms and model to a river restoration case-study
• Write 2-3 scientific papers and complete a PhD thesis
• Participate in national and international workshops and conferences
  

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field within the environmental or natural sciences including, but not limited to, freshwater ecology, remote sensing and/or GIS.

To succeed in this position, we have defined the following qualifications:

• Experience with freshwater field surveys or vegetation mapping on land or coastal environments
• GIS and Programming skills (e.g. ARC-GIS, Q-GIS, Python etc.)
• Strong data analysis skills (e.g. R, Machine Learning)
• Proven written and verbal communication skills in English
• Knowledge of Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, alternatively a clear motivation to develop Norwegian language proficiency
  
• Strong ability to work proactively and independently
  

Preferred selection criteria

It is an advantage if you additionally have:

• Driving licence
• Written and verbal communication skills in Norwegian
• Experience of, or interest in, remote sensing (drones, satellites)
• Experience of working with large datasets

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications.

Personal characteristics
To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you:

• Are flexible and collaborative and open to adjusting plans
• Are structured and goal-oriented
• Have strong analytical skills
• Are curious, take on challenges and stays motivated
  

As part of the freshwater ecology section, you should be motivated by NIVA’s important societal mission and have the ability to identify new opportunities and needs from a broad societal or policy perspective. Your flexibility, curiosity, and openness to new ideas and challenges are valued by us. We encourage initiative and a sense of responsibility in your work.

Collaboration is an important part of daily life at NIVA, and we believe that your strong collaboration and communication skills will be an advantage. With us, your personal suitability is just as important as your professional qualifications, and we hope you share our passion for working together towards a common goal – creating a more sustainable world.

What can you expect at NIVA
NIVA believes in investing in our employees, and you will be given trust and challenging tasks. There are many development opportunities through interdisciplinary collaboration and networking.
We work systematically to maintain and develop a positive working environment characterized by diversity, cooperation, and care for one another. At NIVA, we are approximately 300 employees from 40 different nationalities working together to find solutions for a sustainable future.

As an employee at NIVA, you will benefit from:

• Flexible working hours and the option for partial remote work, depending on your responsibilities
• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including health insurance
• A highly competitive pension scheme, with employer contributions of 7% of salary up to 7.1 G and 25.1% of salary between 7.1 and 12 G (employee contribution currently 1.5%)
• Access to on-site fitness facilities and discounted gym memberships
• Use of a company cabin in Hemsedal

Information about the application and process
Please write a concise application describing your previous experience, relevant background, and what motivates you to apply for the position. Feel free to include experience from an exciting project you would like to highlight.

Attach diplomas and certificates together with your application.

We use Semac background checks in our recruitment processes. This includes document and source verification to confirm valid documentation.

The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) is a leading authority in the field of water and environmental research in Norway. We specialize in ecosystems both in freshwater and marine environments, spanning from mountains, through lakes and rivers, to fjords, coastlines, and oceans. We generate science-based knowledge and solutions to address challenges related to the interactions between water and climate, environment, nature, people, resources, and society.

NIVA recognizes the value of diversity, as different perspectives foster creativity, insight, and improved decision-making processes. Our work environment is characterized by respect and equality, and we treat all employees with the same dignity.