The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) has announced a permanent position for a Research Scientist in Remote Sensing to monitor agricultural transitions in countries of the Global South. This role is perfect for experts in satellite imagery, Earth observation, agronomy, geography, and data science who are passionate about applying innovative technologies to foster sustainable agricultural development and climate-resilient food systems.
Why CIRAD Is Hiring a Remote Sensing Researcher
Agricultural systems across the Global South are undergoing rapid transformations due to climate pressures, environmental challenges, socioeconomic shifts, and evolving land-use demands. CIRAD's Earth Observation and Spatio-Temporal Indicators Group (GOST) aims to develop advanced approaches using multisensor Earth observation data to characterize land surfaces and create indicators that support researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders. The appointed researcher will help develop methods to monitor agricultural transitions, including agroecological transformations, food system sustainability, climate change impacts, and land-use planning.
Key Responsibilities of the Research Scientist
The selected candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research involving remote sensing, agricultural sciences, geography, economics, and data analysis. Main responsibilities include:
- Developing and extracting spatial, temporal, and landscape indicators from satellite imagery to characterize rural agroecosystems in the Global South.
- Analysing changes in agricultural systems and identifying climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors influencing these transformations.
- Selecting and adapting combinations of remote sensing data, field observations, surveys, and analytical methods to address local research challenges.
- Creating multi-indicator approaches, including composite indicators and evidence-based assessments, to evaluate farming practices and agricultural landscape changes.
- Assessing the accuracy, geographic relevance, and thematic validity of developed indicators.
The researcher will also explore emerging opportunities in remote sensing, including increased satellite imagery availability, open-source technologies, AI applications, and advanced data processing.
Who Can Apply?
CIRAD is seeking candidates with strong academic and professional experience in remote sensing applied to agricultural and socio-environmental systems. Applicants should have:
- A Ph.D. in space-based remote sensing applied to socio-agroecosystems.
- Expertise in agronomy, rural economics, geography, or related fields connected to agricultural development in the Global South.
- Experience processing and analysing satellite image time series.
- Knowledge of remote sensing software and programming tools, including QGIS, OTB, R, Python, and relevant data science libraries.
- Familiarity with open-source research practices, Git repositories, and geospatial data standards such as STAC, Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF, and cloud-native formats.
- Experience coordinating or contributing to research projects.
- At least four years of professional experience after completing a Ph.D.
- Strong scientific English communication skills.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and international research networks.
Experience collaborating with field partners and initiatives such as the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) will be considered valuable.
Position Details
- Job Title: Remote Sensing Researcher for Monitoring Agricultural Transitions in the Global South
- Organisation: CIRAD – French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development
- Contract Type: Permanent Contract
- Start Date: September 1, 2026
- Location: Montpellier, France
- Professional Category: Managerial Position
- Salary: Starting from approximately €37,000 annually, depending on experience
The role may involve frequent travel within France and internationally, as well as field-related activities in tropical, humid, or subtropical environments.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline: August 16, 2026. Applicants should include contact details for previous supervisors or managers who may be contacted during the recruitment process.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Science and Technology
CIRAD works with international partners to generate and share scientific knowledge that supports agricultural development and innovation, particularly in tropical and Mediterranean regions. Through this research position, the organisation aims to strengthen the use of Earth observation technologies, artificial intelligence, and open-source approaches to better understand agricultural transitions and support sustainable food systems worldwide.
Researchers passionate about remote sensing, climate resilience, and global agricultural development are encouraged to explore this opportunity and apply before the closing date.
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