Geospatial Research Scientist

RiseMe; Des Peres (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Louis University seeks a Geospatial Research Scientist to lead innovative geospatial, remote sensing, and GeoAI research. You will design experiments, analyze multi-source data, and disseminate findings through publications and funded proposals.

The role involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, supervising researchers, and advancing GeoAI applications in agriculture, environment, and climate studies. 40 hours weekly on-site in Missouri.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geospatial science, geography, earth science, or closely related fields.
• Three years of related work experience.
• Ph.D. in geospatial science or related field preferred for senior roles.

Responsibilities

• Identify scientific questions and design experiments.
• Secure external funding by developing grant proposals.
• Coordinate projects and support interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Draft peer‑reviewed publications and project reports.
• Process and analyze drone and satellite data (e.g., WorldView, Planet, SAR).
• Participate in field surveys and calibration site deployments.

Skills

Remote sensing

Image processing

Geospatial data analysis

Collaboration / teamwork

Project management

Grant writing / funding

Leadership

Education

Master’s degree in geospatial science or closely related field

Ph.D. in geospatial science or related field

Tools

WorldView

Planet

Python

GIS software

Cloud computing

Machine learning

Job description

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY

The Geospatial Research Scientist or Senior Geospatial Research Scientist leads innovative research initiatives in geospatial science, remote sensing, and GeoAI, applying advanced analytics, machine learning, and image processing techniques to address complex challenges in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, environmental monitoring, and precision agriculture. This position is responsible for developing research concepts, designing and executing experiments, analyzing and integrating multi-source geospatial data, and disseminating findings through publications, presentations, and sponsored research proposals. The Geospatial Research Scientist or Senior Geospatial Research Scientist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, contributes to strategic partnerships and funding development, and supports the advancement of cutting‑edge research within Saint Louis University's Remote Sensing Lab.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify compelling scientific questions, design experiments, and conduct ground-breaking research
• Participate in securing external funding by developing grant proposals
• Liaison to coordinate projects and support interdisciplinary collaboration
• Drafting peer‑reviewed publications and project reports
• Process and analyze drone and satellite data (e.g., WorldView, Planet, SAR)
• Participate in field surveys, deploying calibration sites
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong foundational knowledge in remote sensing, image processing, and geospatial data collection and analysis
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Verbal and written communication skills, including presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills, including teamwork and collaboration
• Supervisory skills
• Ability to integrate interdisciplinary research concepts
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead projects, and oversee and guide team members
• Proven ability to identify and pursue funding opportunities, developing proposals to secure grants from both academic and industry sources
• Expertise in integrating interdisciplinary research concepts to create innovative research applications
• Adaptability to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, identifying areas for improvement and collaborating with team members to address gaps

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

• Master’s degree in geospatial science, geography, earth science, or closely related fields such as computer engineering, electronic engineering, computer science, or technology
• Three years of related work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

• Ph.D. in geospatial science, geography or environmental science with geospatial concentration, computer engineering, electronic engineering, geospatial science, earth science or computer science and technology
• Strong programming, signal processing, cloud computing, and data analytical skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENIOR GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

• Master’s degree in geospatial science, geography, earth science, or closely related fields such as computer engineering, electronic engineering, computer science, or technology
• Five years of related work experience
• Project management experience and external engagement
• Demonstrated experience in building collaborations, leading projects, and overseeing, and guiding team members

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENIOR GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

• PhD in geospatial science, geoinformatics, geography, computer science, remote sensing, or related areas with strong geospatial skills
• Record of scholarly research and publications

Appointment level will be commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Candidates meeting the qualifications for Senior Geospatial Research Scientist may be appointed at the senior level based on demonstrated research leadership, project management experience, scholarly achievements, and ability to support the growth and strategic objectives of the Remote Sensing Lab.

ABOUT THE REMOTE SENSING LAB (RSL)

The Remote Sensing Lab advances geospatial science through machine learning and AI‑driven analysis of multi‑scale remote sensing data to tackle pressing challenges in food and water security, environmental change, and socio‑ecological resilience. Its research combines geospatial computer vision, digital twins and photogrammetry, and sensor fusion - integrating satellite, UAV, and field‑based hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal, and LiDAR measurements to monitor agriculture, ecosystems, and land‑use dynamics. Active projects span quantum farming and precision agriculture, remote sensing based nitrogen prescriptions to boost crop productivity, early detection of plant diseases, identification of biological and chemical stressors, carbon accounting, permafrost material chemistry, and development of a global InSAR accuracy model. Supported by high‑performance computing and advanced imaging systems, the lab delivers innovative GeoAI solutions that drive sustainable agriculture, strengthen food security, and deepen understanding of land‑water‑climate interactions.

Function

Research Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non‑merit factors. If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.