Assistant Research Scientist - Environmental Remote Sensing Hyperspectral Specialist

Department: Michigan Tech Research Institute

Summary

This Assistant Research Scientist – Environmental Remote Sensing Hyperspectral Specialist position provides support for MTRI programs focused on locating invasive species in the Great Lakes region via remote sensing. Experience with GIS analysis and remote sensing data processing, particularly with multispectral and hyperspectral data sets, for water science research is required, as is knowledge of how remote sensing data relates to inherent optical properties. Applicants must be familiar with environmental characteristics that contribute to invasive species vulnerability. The applicant will be expected to conduct vegetation surveys along the coasts of the Great Lakes, as well as collect and process UAV imagery. The applicant will be expected to apply their knowledge of sensing and image processing to assist in the development of research questions and/or research programs. This in an in-person position based at MTRI in Ann Arbor, MI (https://mtu.edu/mtri).

Responsibilities 

1. Analyze multi- and hyperspectral data for water science applications and relate to inherent optical properties.
2. Perform land cover classification with high resolution UAV imagery to identify invasive species.
3. Conduct vegetation surveys in coastal areas of the Great Lakes region, with awareness of how field protocols relate to remote sensing capabilities.
4. Participate as an integral team member on multi-disciplinary research relating to applying technological skills to solving governmental and societal needs for a diverse set of current research areas, including improved remote sensing data analysis and visualization of complex data for environmental and interdisciplinary projects.
5. Be able to deal with issues encountered in data processing and analysis to ensure scientifically valid data collection. Evaluate, select, and apply the results of data collected and research projects undertaken. Describe and share any concerns about the results or methodology and recommend or implement countermeasures.
6. Participate in fieldwork in challenging environments, including navigation in remote areas and following data collection protocols.
7. Contribute to competitive proposals including development of specific tasks that use and exploit remote sensing data and products.
8. Assess effectiveness of safety measures and training and implement necessary changes. Anticipate and recognize problems and potential problems at the individual and system levels. Recognize and respond appropriately to potential and actual unsafe situations.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, or closely related field.

Required Experience

1. Participation in research projects applying remote sensing, geospatial analysis, earth science knowledge, and analysis skills.
2. Processing multi- and hyperspectral data for water science applications.
3. Performing land cover classifying with high resolution UAV imagery.
4. Analysis and processing of remote sensing data using desktop software tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) or cloud-based platforms (e.g., eCognition).
5. Conducting vegetation surveys in coastal areas in the Great Lakes region.
6. Mapping areas that may be vulnerable to invasive species encroachment with remote sensing data products.
7. Field collection of inherent optical properties of water in the Great Lakes region.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

1. Experience with using ArcPy to automate GIS processing tasks.
2. Experience with active sensor (multi-spectral or hyperspectral) data processing and analysis.
3. Experience with development, management, and documentation of large geospatial and remote sensing datasets.
4. Familiarity with machine learning techniques.
5. Experience working with large datasets with advanced computational systems (e.g., cloud computing, multi-processor supercomputing).
6. Experience with performing fieldwork (e.g. navigating via handheld GPS, following data collection protocols).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship. Obtaining a national security clearance while holding a dual citizenship will not be possible when the foreign country poses a risk to the national security of the United States.
2. Practical, demonstrated knowledge of using Python or a comparable programming language (ex. R, Matlab, C++, Julia, JavaScript) to process remote sensing data.
3. Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas through symposia presentations, methods documentation, reports, and publications.
4. Excellent written/oral communication skills.
5. Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
6. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to significant matters related to job duties.
7. Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
8. Demonstrated leadership of safety principles and practices.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Experience in processing hyperspectral imagery such as mixture modeling methods and similar advanced spectral analysis methods.
2. Knowledge of geospatial data structures, visualization, and analysis and experience with GIS software (ESRI, QGIS, GDAL).

3. Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints. 

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

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Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

 

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

 

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

 

Shift

 

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable, Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Research Engineer/Scientist I

Posting Type

Internal and External

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

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Additional Information

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To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)