Research Scientist II

University of New Hampshire

About The Position

The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New Hampshire invites applications for a Research Scientist to support research and development in nautical cartography, geospatial visualization, and decision-support for navigation systems. The position aims to address research and development challenges in nautical cartography, Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) advancement, and S-100–based maritime data systems, including the design, prototyping, and evaluation of symbology, as well as broader computational cartography topics such as geospatial data management, automated generalization workflows, and portrayal logic within structured spatial data models. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of visual perception, cartography, geospatial data systems, and maritime navigation, addressing challenges arising from the continued expansion of new maritime products and services. The position requires the ability to engage with structured spatial data models and standards-driven environments, and to reason about how data structures, generalization processes, portrayal rules, and layered visualization strategies interact within electronic chart systems. The candidate will also contribute to research-driven modernization of digital nautical chart production and portrayal practices. Research outcomes are expected to be translated into practical tools and prototype implementations that inform standards development and operational practice. The work has direct relevance to NOAA-funded initiatives and international standards development and oﬀers opportunities for scholarly publication and applied impact. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and external partners (including NOAA and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) working groups) to investigate how cartographic design, symbology, and spatial data structures behave under operational constraints, and to translate these findings into technical guidance, prototype tools, and standards-informed recommendations.

Requirements

PhD, M.S., or B.S., in Cartography, Geographic Information Science, Geospatial Visualization, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
At least 5 years’ experience working in cartography, geospatial data systems, and/or spatial data models (graduate research experience counts toward this requirement).
Strong background in visualization, perceptual evaluation, or cartographic design principles.
Demonstrated proficiency in programming, with experience implementing tools to support research.
Independent, analytical, and detail-oriented research skills, with the ability to reason about complex spatial data models, portrayal logic, and generalization workflows.
Collaborative communication & mentorship, including working with interdisciplinary teams, external partners, and mentoring graduate students
Clear written communication & standards-focused project execution, producing technical guidance, prototype tools, and standards-informed recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated research experience in cartographic symbology design or digital chart portrayal systems.
Experience with map generalization algorithms, scale-dependent representation, or topology-aware cartographic processes.
Familiarity with IHO S-100 standards, ENC/ECDIS, or other navigation systems.
Experience with modern software engineering practice (e.g., source code control, test-based design, continuous integration).
Experience contributing to technical specifications, standards development eﬀorts, or schema-based data frameworks.
Familiarity with color science and perceptual metrics (e.g., CIELAB, ΔE-based measures).
Experience designing and conducting analytical or user-centered evaluation studies.
Familiarity with machine learning or AI techniques.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on symbology and portrayal in electronic chart systems, including emerging S-100 / S-1xx products, with emphasis on layered displays, perceptual robustness, and operational constraints.
Advance broader computational cartography research, including geospatial data management and automated generalization workflows.
Design and implement research prototypes and computational tools to support systematic evaluation and transition of research outcomes into operational contexts.
Develop techniques to support precision marine navigation tools that provide enhanced navigation information for critical decision-making processes, including but not limited to voyage planning, under-keel clearance management, and risk mitigation.
Advance smart navigation, utilizing the integration of high-resolution, multi-source data and an interoperable, real-time decision support system to improve autonomy for unmanned surface vessels.
Engage with national and international standards bodies to contribute to the evolution and modernization of S-100–based product specifications.
Translate research findings into technical guidance, standards-informed recommendations, and peer-reviewed publications.
Mentor graduate students and collaborate with faculty and external partners on related geospatial visualization and cartographic research initiatives.