Join the Lab

The Polar Remote Sensing Research Group at McGill University is recruiting at least one MSc and one PhD student to work on radar remote sensing of Arctic sea ice, starting Fall 2027. Both positions are fully funded (Award+RA+TA). 

PhD position

The PhD project will focus on radar analysis of Arctic sea ice using multi-frequency SAR. We are looking for a candidate with:

• An MSc in remote sensing, geography, physics, engineering, or a closely related field

• Prior hands-on experience with radar data, including a working understanding of backscatter and polarimetry

• Advanced programming skills is required, experience with large raster datasets, cloud platforms, or machine learning is an asset

• Interest in participating in Arctic field campaigns

• Strong scientific writing, ideally with a first-author publication or manuscript in preparation

MSc position

The MSc project will focus on SAR-based characterization of sea ice in the Canadian Arctic. Radar experience is welcome but not required. We are looking for a candidate with:

• A BSc in geography, environmental science, physics, engineering, computer science, or a related field

• Advanced programming skills. 

• Coursework or project experience with satellite imagery is an asset

• A background in remote sensing, GIS, or geophysics

• Interest in Arctic fieldwork

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference for this position

How to apply

Send one email to mallik.mahmud [at] mcgill.ca (mallik[dot]mahmud[at]mcgill[dot]ca) with the subject line "PhD application – sea ice radar" or "MSc application – sea ice radar". In the body of the email, tell me briefly what you have worked on and what you would like to work on here and attach:

• your CV

• an unofficial transcript

If you are interested in supervision for an honours or independent study project, or in part-time and summer research, get in touch. Please include your CV and a copy of your academic transcripts. Undergraduate research can be supported through research grants and awards such as SURA and NSERC USRA. Contact mallik.mahmud [at] mcgill.ca (Dr. Mahmud) in January.

The Fall admission deadline for graduate applications in the Geography department is January 15. We encourage you to contact mallik.mahmud [at] mcgill.ca (Dr. Mahmud) early so we can discuss your research interests, fit, and the feasibility of a project. See geography graduate admission and postdoc funding for details.

When you get in touch, please include:

• A short description of your research interests and skills
• Unofficial transcript
• CV