Research Scientist I - Remote Sensing Scientist (InSAR)

Colorado State University; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Research Scientist to join their team in Fort Collins. This role involves processing extensive InSAR datasets to analyze land deformation and subsidence in diverse environments. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Geodesy, strong programming skills, and experience in collaborative research. You will contribute to impactful scientific publications and presentations while working in a supportive, inclusive environment focused on innovation and research excellence. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in remote sensing and making a significant impact, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required; strong programming and data handling skills.
• Experience in InSAR processing and publishing scientific papers.

Responsibilities

• Process InSAR data and validate deformation estimates.
• Supervise research associates and organize meetings.

Skills

Programming

Data Handling

InSAR Processing

Scripting in Python

Scripting in MATLAB

Education

Ph.D. in Geodesy or related field

Job description

Research Scientist I - Remote Sensing Scientist (InSAR)

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

Position Location: Fort Collins, CO

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

Research Professional Position: Yes

Posting Number: 202500460AP

Position Type: Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title:

Number of Vacancies:

Work Hours/Week: 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000; Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on: 04/27/2025

Description of Work Unit: CSU hosts approximately 32,000 students in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and 100 km north of Denver. Fort Collins has approximately 165,000 residents and is routinely recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the USA. 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.

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 (>50 TB) of InSAR data to produce time series of land deformation and long-term subsidence in large global watersheds. The locations will include highly vegetated regions, where decorrelation and tropospheric effects are expected to be significant. The Research Scientist will then work with the larger team to understand hydrogeologic drivers of subsidence. Expertise in processing large InSAR datasets is required, and experience working in regions with high tropospheric noise is preferred. The applicant should have extensive experience scripting in a server environment, and a firm understanding of computational languages such as Python and MATLAB.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Geodesy or a related field by the date of hire.
• Demonstrated competency in programming and coding and ability to handle and organize large datasets.
• Must have demonstrated experience publishing high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific papers in the field of InSAR processing.
• Must have experience with InSAR processing over large regions.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Prior experience with groundwater applications of subsidence.
• Demonstrated experience working in collaborative research settings.

Job Duty Category: Research

Duty/Responsibility:

• Process InSAR data in a timely fashion over large regions.
• Remove noise sources including troposphere, ionosphere, and decorrelation from vegetation growth.
• Validate deformation estimates using in-situ and remote sensing data sources.
• Relate deformation signals to changes in groundwater systems.
• Prepare and submit scientific publications.
• Scholarly presentations.
• Participate in grant writing.

Percentage Of Time: 80%

Job Duty Category: Supervision and management

Duty/Responsibility:

• Supervision and training of research associates.
• Organize research meetings with collaborators.
• Coordinate the integration of data sources.
• Communicate with relevant agency personnel.

Percentage Of Time: 20%

Special Instructions to Applicants: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume/CV, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

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

Search Contact: Ryan Smith, [e-mail]

EEO: Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers, and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer.

References Requested

Minimum Requested: 3

Maximum Requested: 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).