Research Assistant

University of Louisiana Monroe•La, LA

21d

About The Position

The Louisiana State Mesonet, within the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), is seeking applications for a research assistant with experience in geospatial data visualization, weather and water impacts communication, and web-based dashboard development. The researcher will assist the mesonet program in developing and maintaining an operational, impacts-based geospatial dashboard that integrates real-time observations from Louisiana State Mesonet (LSM) stations, data from planned network expansion stations, and output from the LSM regional weather model. The primary goal of this position is to translate weather and water data into actionable, decision-relevant information for end users, partners, and stakeholders across the Lower Mississippi River basin region. The researcher may be tasked with implementing specific dashboard features and products to support project objectives and partner/stakeholder requests. This is a full-time, 12-month position currently funded for 1-year at a competitive salary with a full benefits package. Employment extension beyond the first year is possible based on funding availability and a favorable formal review.

Requirements

Masters or Doctoral degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
Experience developing geospatial or data-driven web applications, including interactive mapping or dashboard tools (e.g., Leaflet, Mapbox, ArcGIS Online, or similar frameworks)
Demonstrated ability to work with and visualize large environmental datasets, including weather observations, gridded model output, and soil or hydrological data
Familiarity with weather and water impacts communication, including experience interpreting or presenting data in the context of drought, flooding, or other high-impact weather events
Experience with backend web development and data pipeline construction, including linking live data feeds to front-end visualization tools
Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work in a collaborative environment, and a desire to learn new technologies are a must
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex weather and water information to non-expert audiences
A record of high-quality, peer-reviewed publications
Proficiency in the computer programming necessary for data processing, geospatial analysis, and dashboard development (e.g., Python, JavaScript, or equivalent)
Ability to work a flexible schedule

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain a weather and water impacts geospatial dashboard that integrates real-time LSM station observations, expansion station data, and regional model output
Implement water-focused dashboard components highlighting current and forecasted drought conditions, soil moisture saturation levels, and short- and long-term flood risk areas across the Lower Mississippi River basin region
Incorporate regional model forecast output into the dashboard to provide short- and medium-term outlooks on evolving drought or flooding threats
Develop and integrate severe and hazardous weather impact layers into the dashboard using regional model output, identifying when and where significant weather threats may occur in the short- and medium-term forecast periods
Collaborate with the LSM team to build and maintain the backend infrastructure linking the dashboard to geospatial data streams from LSM stations and regional model output, ensuring reliable, near-real-time data ingestion and display
Develop and maintain a dedicated project webpage to host the impacts dashboard and associated documentation
Collaborate with the mesonet team, partners, and stakeholders to refine dashboard products based on end-user needs, ensuring that impacts-based information supports timely and appropriate decision-making
Any other duties as needed at the request of the Mesonet Executive Director