Water Quality & Remote Sensing Research Scientist

CSUAOA; United States; On-site; USD 108,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Campus dining plans

Housing assistance

Job summary

The University Corporation at Monterey Bay invites applications for a Water Quality & Remote Sensing Research Scientist. This role advances satellite-based water quality monitoring using NASA Earth observation data, including hyperspectral imagery, with in situ data collection and validation across inland waters.

You will develop proposals, publish papers, and collaborate with NASA Ames and ARSET partners. Primary duties include training content creation, data analysis, and presenting results to

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or the equivalent in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Publication of scientific manuscripts
• Experience with NASA EO data
• Development of research projects and proposals
• The ability to access, analyze, visualize data products of NASA EO datasets

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research and publish scientific papers
• Develop proposals for new research activities
• Serve as a water quality and remote sensing subject matter expert
• Contribute to NASA capacity building efforts with the ARSET program
• Validate satellite-based water quality monitoring tools using NASA Earth observation data

Skills

Public speaking

NASA EO data experience

Data analysis

Research proposal development

Manuscript publication

Education

Doctoral degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Science

Job description

Water Quality & Remote Sensing Research Scientist

University Corporation at Monterey Bay

Salary: $108,000.00 – $126,000.00 Annually

Job Number: 2026-00030

Location: Various Field Locations (see posting)

Department: Applied Environmental Science

Description

Water Quality & Remote Sensing Research Scientist

ARC CREST

NASA Ames Research Center / CSUMB Dept of Applied Environmental Science

Job Announcement

Priority Screening Deadline: October 5, 2026. All positions are open until filled.

This position is dependent upon grant funds. Subject to annual NASA review

Position December 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.

SALARY

Salary Grade: Staff, Grade 6

Hiring Range: $108,000 – $126,000 annually

The University Corporation is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by colleagues, students, and the customers we serve. Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. Our salary schedule is available https://csumb.edu/departments/corporation/policies/.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

The University Corporation provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Voluntary 403(b) savings plan
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• Paid holidays
• Access to campus dining plans
• Eligibility for affordable campus housing (if applicable)

Applicants are encouraged to review additional benefit information below for full details.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator under the NASA ARC-CREST Cooperative Agreement, the Research Scientist is responsible for conducting scientific research, publishing scientific papers, and developing proposals for new research activities. Additionally, the Research Scientist will serve as a water quality and remote sensing subject matter expert and contribute to NASA capacity building efforts with the Applied Remote Sensing Training (ARSET) program.

The main objectives of this research are validation and advancement of satellite-based water quality and cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom monitoring tools that utilize NASA Earth observation data including hyperspectral imagery. Work under this position includes in situ water quality and optical data collection for remote sensing validation, image processing, atmospheric correction, data analysis, and water quality solutions development.

The candidate will need to be capable of both working independently and collaborating within a team environment on tasks performed across a spectrum of disciplines. The candidate needs to have excellent writing and oral presentation skills. This position will work closely with scientists at NASA Ames Research Center. The successful candidate will have the opportunity and support to develop and lead innovative research on remote sensing of water quality.

Examples of Duties

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in all portions of content creation and delivery of online NASA ARSET trainings for the Water Quality applications area including:
• Conduct background research for training topics.
• Create and review training presentations.
• Assist with content creation for training promotion in collaboration with the ARSET communications lead.
• Assist with participant questions via email and during the training sessions.
• Contribute to creation of post-training surveys and review of results.
• Conduct research on application of NASA Earth observations to water quality solutions.
• Complete water quality and remote sensing validation field work on inland waters.
• Analyze complex spatial and temporal water quality datasets.
• Present research results and scientific meetings and to partners and stakeholders at workshops and meetings.
• Author peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, research and technical reports, and research proposals.
• Foster and maintain collaborative links with federal, state, and local agencies in addition to local groups and individuals, research organizations, and the public.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Doctoral degree or the equivalent in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

Previous experience with the following:

• Publication of scientific manuscripts
• Conducting research or applied science projects with NASA EO data
• Development of research projects and proposals
• The ability to access, analyze, visualize data products of NASA EO datasets
• Experience with public speaking and presentation of scientific results to a variety of audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.
• Expertise in NASA remote sensing science across multiple sensors and projects.
• Technical knowledge evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conferences presentations record on subjects dealing with water quality and remote sensing science utilizing NASA Earth observations.
• Water quality engineering experience as demonstrated by previous work experience and procession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the CSUMB Vision Statement and the core values of mutual respect, collaboration and service orientation, multiculturalism and diversity, community service and institutional excellence.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Ability to safely operate a motorboat as evidenced by completion of a Motorboat Operator Training Course and possession of a California Boater Card.
• This position is dependent upon grant funds. Subject to annual NASA review.
• Position December 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

This position is designated as a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with applicable CSU Executive Orders, including Title IX reporting requirements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. University Corporation employment is separate from CSU Monterey Bay and the State of California. All employees must be eligible to work in the United States. Positions are at-will. CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INFORMATION

The Corporation offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, contributory retirement plan, TSA (403b), and more. Please review our https://csumb.edu/departments/corporation/human-resources/employee-benefits/ for details about sick time, vacation, and holidays.

The Corporation also offers access to CSUMB’s Faculty & Staff Meal Plans, which provide convenience, value, and flexibility with our all-you-care-to-eat dining commons, showcasing eight brand new dining concepts for an affordable price.

The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable campus housing: https://csumb.edu/departments/corporation/services/employee-housing/

Although CSUMB is located in a high-cost housing area, Schoonover Park rental homes are affordably priced. Monthly rent rates include cable television, garbage service, and sewer. Convenient floorplans, attractive interior appointments, and numerous community amenities make Schoonover Park Rental Homes an exceptional value. Schoonover Park is near the main campus, yet a tranquil world away. The community lies nestled in the secluded beauty of rolling coastal hills three miles east of campus. Living in one of the most desirable areas of California, you will enjoy the natural splendor and cultural abundance of the Monterey Peninsula. Quality of life begins with your home in Schoonover Park and extends through every aspect of your California coastal lifestyle. https://www.schoonoverparkapartments.com

ABOUT THE CORPORATION

The University Corporation at Monterey Bay (\"Corporation\"): The Corporation is constantly looking for motivated employees with great organization and teamwork skills to join our team. The Corporation is a non-profit institution that is related to and affiliated with the California State University, Monterey Bay. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefits corporation that is a recognized auxiliary organization of California State University and was established in July 1994. The University Corporation’s mission is to further the educational purposes of the University.

The University:

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year. With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students’ lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB’s sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution.

The Community:

Monterey, with its moderate Mediterranean climate, is a diverse community on the picturesque central coast of California and rich in agriculture. Miles of beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain ranges, groves of redwoods, low-rolling foothills, and scenic valleys are characteristics that contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by over 432,000 residents and millions of visitors. Boasting such world-renowned attractions as the spectacular Big Sur Coast, Laguna Seca Raceway, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the Steinbeck Center, the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals and Pebble Beach – possibly the world’s most famous golf course, it’s easy to see why so many choose to live here and an estimated four million visitors a year make the County of Monterey their destination of choice.