Research Scientist II

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

2d • Onsite

About The Position

New Mexico State University’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist II to develop and contribute to a research program using satellite LiDAR, radar, and optical remote sensing to study forest vegetation structure, ecosystem function, and hydrological processes. The research will primarily focus on the southwestern United States, with opportunities to apply innovative approaches at regional and global scales.

The Research Scientist will develop a program focused on global remote sensing of forest vegetation structure, ecosystem and hydrological function using satellite LiDAR and radar remote sensing coupled with field measurements. As a key member of the research team, the successful candidate will analyze vegetation and ecosystem function and retrieve vertical and horizontal structure using orbiting LiDAR, complemented by radar and optical remote sensing data. The role includes using LiDAR, optical and radar remote sensing, and advanced HPC/cloud computing to test and develop models for retrieving vegetation biomass and structure and assessing their relationships to hydrological and ecosystem functions.

The incumbent is expected to analyze, visualize, and synthesize regional and global Earth-observation data for vegetation retrievals; contribute scientific and data publications; and collaborate on external research proposals. This is a two-year appointment, contingent upon external funding. The position is based in Las Cruces and has a standard Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. work schedule.

Requirements

• Associate's degree and 9 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience using LiDAR, optical, and radar remote sensing.
• Experience with advanced HPC/cloud computing to test and develop models for vegetation biomass and structure retrieval and their relationships to hydrological and ecosystem functions.
• Well-developed skills in data analysis, visualization, and synthesis of regional and global Earth-observation data for vegetation retrievals.
• Familiarity with remote sensing and geospatial analysis focused on using LiDAR and radar data for forest monitoring.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or higher; a doctorate degree is preferred.
• Experience working at large spatial scales using a combination of fine- and coarse-resolution remote sensing.
• Ability to mentor students and develop strong collaborative networks.
• Excellent written and oral science communication skills.
• Understanding of data providers and stakeholders in national and regional governmental and non-governmental forestry and environmental agencies concerned with forest production, ecosystem function, and regional hydrology.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research program focused on remote sensing of forest vegetation structure, ecosystem function, and hydrological processes.
• Use satellite LiDAR and radar remote sensing together with field measurements, and complementary optical remote sensing data.
• Analyze vegetation and ecosystem function and retrieve vertical and horizontal vegetation structure using orbiting LiDAR.
• Use advanced HPC/cloud computing to test and develop models for retrieving vegetation biomass and structure and assessing relationships to hydrological and ecosystem functions.
• Analyze, visualize, and synthesize regional and global Earth-observation data for vegetation retrievals.
• Contribute scientific and data publications.
• Collaborate on external research proposals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree