Horizon Postdoctoral Fellowships
Development on forests surveillance and fires detection using multiple heterogeneous unmanned systems and remote sensing techniques
Reference number: 6002
Supervisors: Chun-Yi Su and Youmin Zhang
Program description
Every year, thousands of people are injured/killed and millions of hectares of forests are destroyed by forest fires and billions of dollars are spent to extinguish these fires. Early detection and suppression of forest fires are crucial to minimize the destructions that fires may cause. Because of their rapid maneuverability, extended operational range, and improved personnel safety, a group of heterogeneous unmanned systems (USs) (including robotic systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned surface/underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs), and satellites) along with remote sensing techniques can be properly employed for forest surveillance and fire detection and fighting. The main aims and objectives of this research project are to develop a novel and advanced artificial intelligent (AI) approach by commanding numerous USs with remote sensing sensors for monitoring forests, detecting forest fires/other uncertainties and risks (caused by drought, disease, hurricane, ice, flooding, etc.), tracking them, and predicting their time and range evolution autonomously or with minimum human interference. The knowledge (remote sensing based surveillance and detection methods, and cooperation of multiple heterogeneous USs) gained in this research will be transferable and also find a variety of other applications, such as precision agriculture, forests (health, diversity, etc.) surveillance and management, pipeline/powerline monitoring, wind farms and solar panels array surveillance, as well as natural resources and environment surveillance and protection, all of which are important to significantly spur Canada's transition to smarter, safer, stronger, more efficient and reliable environment protection and management with great adaptability and sustainability.
Academic qualifications required
PhD in Mechanical Engineering with experiences in both unmanned systems control and image processing researches.
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must not currently hold a postdoctoral appointment at Concordia
- Priority will be given to postdoctoral fellows who have obtained their PhD from another university although in exceptional cases Concordia graduates may be considered
- Applicants must adhere to the postdoctoral fellow eligibility criteria outlined in Concordia University’s Postdoctoral Policy
Timeline
Horizon position is expected to be filled as soon as possible but no later than March 1, 2024.
Submission process
- All documents must be submitted to Niyusha Samadi
- Please include the reference number with your application
Application checklist
- One to three (1-3) page research statement demonstrating fit with the program described above.
- Current curriculum vitae demonstrating research excellence and a capacity for leadership in the domain (maximum 5 pages).
- Two letters of reference from academic supervisors or current employers to be sent via e-mail directly to Niyusha Samadi.
Value
The prestigious two-year Horizon Postdoctoral Fellowships are valued at $50,000 per year plus benefits and full access to Concordia’s services, including GradProSkills.
Concordia University is a vibrant research and teaching environment, with state-of-the-art research facilities and many research centers. Concordia is located in Montreal, Canada, a diverse and creative city, often ranked as offering one of the best quality of living experiences in North America.
Concordia University is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal Peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.
