Satellite remote sensing of river mobility and machine learning

Project Description

Please note that this project will be supervised by Prof Anya Leenman. 
Prof Leenman will begin her position at the Université de Sherbrooke in April 2026. Please send your application to anya.leenman@vuw.ac.nz

I am hiring a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join my new group at Université de Sherbrooke in Québec, Canada, starting in April 2026. The postdoc will work on satellite remote sensing of river mobility and machine learning. They will contribute to a larger, collaborative project exploring the drivers of river mobility in New Zealand, alongside academics and practitioners from Earth Sciences New Zealand, Te Kura Taka Pini, Tonkin + Taylor, University of Auckland, UNC Chapell Hill, and UC Santa Barbara. The project will likely include a trip to New Zealand to visit collaborators there. The postdoc will be expected to lead papers contributing to the project but will have a large degree of research freedom and support to develop their profile as an independent researcher.

The ideal candidate is:
•	A problem solver
•	A good team player
•	Self-motivated and organised
•	Good at managing multiple deadlines
•	A great communicator
•	Academically excellent, with a good publication record for their career stage
•	Comfortable in a programming language (R, Python, Matlab), and familiar with or willing to learn Javascript
•	Proficient in GIS and/or programmatic geospatial analysis
•	Familiar with Google Earth Engine
•	Experienced in fluvial geomorphology and hydrology

The academic work will be in English, but French competence (or a desire to learn) is an asset. 

Eligible candidates will have:
•	A PhD 
•	A background in geography, earth science or engineering.

The successful candidate will receive a stipend (tax-free) of CA$60-65k annually depending on progress. The initial duration of the position is two years, with a third year subject to satisfactory progress. There is additional funding of CA$1.5k/yr to cover public healthcare fees for international candidates and CA$4k/yr for travel.  The postdoc will be based in Sherbrooke, a university town with great access to the outdoors, good food, and affordable housing. 

To apply, please submit:
•	A cover letter outlining your interest and fit for the role
•	CV
•	University transcripts
•	Examples of 1-3 recent publications
•	Code sample or link to personal Github

Applications should be sent to Dr Anya Leenman (anya.leenman@vuw.ac.nz). The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.

Funding offered

Yes

CA$60-65k annually

The last update was on 20 December 2025. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.