Research Scientist I - Remote Sensing Scientist (ET)

Colorado State University; Colorado; Remote; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate Research Scientist to join their Civil and Environmental Engineering department. In this role, you will process extensive remote sensing data to enhance understanding of water budgets across global watersheds. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Soil Physics or a related field and demonstrate strong programming skills. This position offers a collaborative environment focused on impactful research, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to contribute to significant advancements in environmental science. Join a community dedicated to transforming lives through research and education.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required, with strong programming and data management skills.
• Experience in publishing high-impact research in remote sensing.

Responsibilities

• Process large ET datasets and validate estimates using various data sources.
• Prepare scientific publications and participate in grant writing.

Skills

Programming and Coding

Data Handling and Organization

Publishing Scientific Papers

Processing Satellite Data

Education

Ph.D. in Soil Physics or related field

Tools

Remote Sensing Data

ET Models

Job description

Research Scientist I - Remote Sensing Scientist (ET)

Working Title: Research Scientist I - Remote Sensing Scientist (ET)

Position Location: Fort Collins, CO

Work Location: Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position: Yes

Posting Number: 202500442AP

Position Type: Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Hours/Week: 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000

Employee Benefits: Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Description of Work Unit: The CEE Department at CSU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its research, education, and service and outreach programs and is ranked in the top 40 CEE programs in the USA. The CEE Department comprises 34 faculty, 7 research scientists/scholars, 15 research associates, and 10 administrative professionals. Our water-related programs are designated a CSU Program of Research and Scholarly Excellence.

Position Summary: The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to work under the supervision of Prof. Ryan Smith. The Research Scientist will be responsible for processing large quantities of ET data at high resolution (30 m to 1 km) in large global watersheds. The successful applicant will also integrate other remote sensing datasets, such as GRACE and GRACE-FO, to improve understanding of large-scale water budgets.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Soil Physics or a related field by the date of hire.
• Demonstrated competency in programming and coding and ability to handle and organize large datasets.
• Experience publishing high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific papers in the field of remotely sensed ET.
• Experience processing ET datasets from basic satellite data such as optical and infrared imagery, or extensive experience working with ET products and a background in process-based modeling.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Prior experience with estimating groundwater use.
• Demonstrated experience working in collaborative research settings.

Job Duties:

• Process ET data in a timely fashion over large regions.
• Identify and remove sources of noise; determine most suitable ET models for different use cases.
• Validate ET estimates using in-situ and remote sensing data sources.
• Relate ET data to estimates of groundwater withdrawals.
• Prepare and submit scientific publications.
• Participate in grant writing.

Conditions of Employment: Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Search Contact: Ryan Smith, [e-mail]

EEO: Colorado State University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.