Research Scholar

Boise State University; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

12-24 vacation days

Job summary

Boise State University is seeking a Research Scholar to lead independent or collaborative research on multi-scholar projects involving deep learning for plant species identification in UAS imagery. You may lead discrete components under senior supervision, with responsibilities spanning model development, data management, and dissemination.

The two-year temporary role expects travel between Boise and Burns, ID, for field and collaborative work, and involves mentoring students and contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 2 years postdoc or 5+ years post-master’s experience considered.
• Experience with species classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, or transfer learning.
• Experience with drone (UAS) image acquisition and processing.
• Experience with geospatial analyses.
• Strong publication record and ability to share reproducible code and data.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of deep learning models for identifying plant species in UAS imagery (CNNs, detection, segmentation).
• Build, test, and document open-source software and web apps to generate species maps from UAS imagery.
• Work with large georeferenced plant datasets across Idaho, Oregon, and western dryland ecosystems.
• Develop generalizable approaches across landscapes and sensors; evaluate uncertainty in AI predictions.
• Collaborate with ecologists, statisticians, federal scientists, and stakeholders.
• Publish results in high-impact journals and share reproducible code, data, and workflows.
• Present findings at meetings and conferences; travel Boise, ID to Burns, OR as needed.

Skills

Deep learning

CNNs

Object detection

Semantic segmentation

Transfer learning

Geospatial datasets

Collaborative research

Project management

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Postdoctoral experience

Master’s degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

Drone image processing

Structure-from-Motion

Geospatial analyses

Web applications development

Job description

Job no: 499782
Work type: Non-Classified/Professional
Location: Boise, ID
Categories: Research, College of Arts & Sciences, Senior-Level

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Serves as an independent researcher or a collaborator on a multi-scholar research initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

This is a temporary position with an expected duration of two years.

Level Scope:

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Research Scholar may:

• Lead development of deep learning algorithms capable of identifying individual plant species in UAS imagery, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), object detection models, semantic segmentation workflows, transfer learning approaches, and multi-temporal image analysis methods.
• Build, test, and document open-source software and web applications that enable researchers and land managers to generate species maps from UAS imagery.
• Work with large image datasets, including tens of thousands of georeferenced individual plants paired with high-resolution UAS imagery collected across Idaho, Oregon, and other western dryland ecosystems.
• Develop robust approaches that generalize across landscapes, sensors, and environmental conditions, and evaluate uncertainty in AI predictions for ecological inference.
• Collaborate closely with ecologists, statisticians, federal scientists, and stakeholder organizations at Boise State University, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and the Sevilleta LTER program.
• Publish project results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and share reproducible code, data products, and workflows that support ecological research and rangeland management.
• Present findings at meetings, conferences, workshops, and collaborator institutions; periodic travel between Boise, Idaho, and Burns, Oregon, is expected.

35% of Time the Research Scholar may:

• Operate and maintain research or field equipment, as applicable.
• Supervise or mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and research staff.
• Take lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual results and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
• Assist in the teaching of classes.

5% of Time the Research Scholar will:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Team player with an excellent work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and high intrinsic self-motivation to learn and work in the lab or field, as applicable
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data with a critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Experience presenting research results in meetings, conferences, and seminars
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace

MinimumQualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. degree or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience (or equivalent research experience) with a demonstrated record of research productivity. A Master’s degree or equivalent, plus at least 5 years of relevant post-master’s professional work experience, or in rare instances, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus at least 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience also will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with species classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, or transfer learning.
• Experience with drone (UAS) image acquisition and processing.
• Experience with structure-from-motion photogrammetry.
• Experience with geospatial analyses.
• Experience developing interactive web applications or scientific software.
• Experience or interest in dryland, rangeland, or plant ecology.
• Strong machine learning background and enthusiasm for applying deep learning and computer vision to ecological and environmental problems.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $66,705.60 to $80,000 annually and is commensurate with experience.Boise State University provides a best-in-classbenefits package , including (but not limited to):

• 12paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Advertised: July 28, 2026 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: August 16, 2026 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Equal Employment Opportunity

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Annual Security and Fire Safety Report