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Summary

• University: McGill University, Canada
• Research Group: Polar Remote Sensing Research Group
• Supervisor: Dr. Mallik Mahmud
• Study Level: MSc and PhD
• Start: Fall 2027
• Funding: Fully funded through Award + Research Assistantship + Teaching Assistantship
• Research Area: Arctic sea ice, radar remote sensing and satellite-based SAR
• PhD Project: Multi-frequency SAR analysis of Arctic sea ice
• MSc Project: SAR-based characterization of sea ice in the Canadian Arctic
• PhD Requirement: Relevant MSc plus radar and programming experience
• MSc Requirement: Relevant BSc plus advanced programming skills
• Application Method: Email the supervisor with required documents
• Graduate Application Deadline: January 15 for Fall admission to the Geography department
• Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

About the Research Opportunity

McGill University’s Polar Remote Sensing Research Group, led by Dr. Mallik Mahmud in the Department of Geography, is recruiting graduate students for Fall 2027.

The group conducts research on Arctic sea ice using remote sensing, including radar observations and satellite data, with the broader aim of improving the monitoring and understanding of Arctic sea-ice conditions. The research combines multi-frequency radar, geostatistical methods and machine-learning approaches.

For Fall 2027, the official recruitment page states that the group is recruiting at least one MSc student and one PhD student. Both positions are described as fully funded, with support listed as Award + RA + TA.

The positions are particularly suited to applicants interested in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, radar technology, programming and Arctic research.

Scholarship Benefits

The official page describes the positions as fully funded through Award + RA + TA. This means the funding package combines an award with research-assistantship and teaching-assistantship support.

The official source does not publish a specific dollar value for the funding package on the recruitment page. Therefore, applicants should not rely on unofficial figures circulating online.

Successful graduate researchers will also join a research group working on Arctic sea-ice monitoring and may have opportunities to participate in Arctic field campaigns, depending on the research project. The official requirements specifically identify interest in Arctic fieldwork as relevant to both the MSc and PhD positions.

Who Can Apply?

PhD Position

The PhD opportunity is focused on radar analysis of Arctic sea ice using multi-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

The lab is looking for candidates with:

• An MSc in remote sensing, geography, physics, engineering or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with radar data.
• Working knowledge of backscatter and polarimetry.
• Advanced programming skills.
• Experience with large raster datasets, cloud platforms or machine learning is an asset.
• Interest in participating in Arctic field campaigns.
• Strong scientific writing ability.
• A first-author publication or manuscript in preparation is considered desirable.

MSc Position

The MSc project focuses on SAR-based characterization of sea ice in the Canadian Arctic.

Applicants should have:

• A BSc in geography, environmental science, physics, engineering, computer science or a related field.
• Advanced programming skills.
• A background in remote sensing, GIS or geophysics.
• Coursework or project experience involving satellite imagery is an asset.
• Interest in Arctic fieldwork.

The official page states that Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference for the MSc position.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the Research Areas

Read the official Polar Remote Sensing Research Group information and determine whether your academic background and research interests match the available MSc or PhD project.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Position

Applicants should identify whether they are applying for the MSc – sea ice radar or PhD – sea ice radar position.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

The official recruitment page asks prospective applicants to prepare:

• CV
• Unofficial academic transcript
• A brief description of what you have worked on
• A brief explanation of what you would like to work on in the lab

Step 4: Contact Dr. Mallik Mahmud

Send one email to Dr. Mallik Mahmud using the appropriate subject line:

PhD: “PhD application – sea ice radar”
MSc: “MSc application – sea ice radar”

The official page provides the supervisor’s McGill email address for applications.

Step 5: Discuss Research Fit

McGill’s lab encourages prospective graduate students to contact Dr. Mahmud early so that research interests, fit and project feasibility can be discussed.

Step 6: Complete the McGill Graduate Application

The lab’s recruitment page states that the Fall admission deadline for graduate applications in the Geography department is January 15. Applicants should also review the department’s official graduate admission requirements before submitting their university application.

Important Deadline

The official McGill lab page states that the Fall admission deadline for graduate applications in the Geography department is January 15. It also encourages prospective students to contact Dr. Mahmud early to discuss research fit and project feasibility.

The specific lab recruitment announcement does not provide a separate 2027 closing date for the MSc or PhD email expression of interest. Applicants should therefore follow the official McGill Geography admission timeline and contact the supervisor well in advance.

Related Opportunities

• GIST University South Korea Scholarship 2027 – Fully funded graduate study opportunity in South Korea.
• Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027 – Fully funded master’s opportunity in the Netherlands.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 – Fully funded postgraduate scholarship in the United Kingdom.

Official Application Link

McGill University – Polar Remote Sensing Research Group: Join the Lab

Applicants should use the official McGill page for the current position details, required documents and supervisor contact information.

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This opportunity should be understood as a fully funded graduate research position, rather than a conventional university-wide scholarship.

The positions are highly research-focused. Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic background, programming ability and previous research experience correspond closely with the requirements of the MSc or PhD project.

Prospective applicants should contact the supervisor early, prepare a strong CV and unofficial transcript, clearly explain their previous work and research interests, and complete the applicable McGill graduate admission process before the relevant deadline.

For more verified scholarships, funded research positions, internships and international opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.