New Positions at GDCS

May 1, 2019—ASU’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science (GDCS) is pleased to announce an opening for a full-time (40 hrs per week) scientific technician position. We seek a highly motivated and creative person to join our Center, which is at the forefront of satellite/airborne remote sensing science. The unique capabilities of GDCS place us as key players in global efforts to understand and preserve Earth’s remaining biodiversity.
 
The successful candidate will work closely with the Center's researchers in many different projects across terrestrial and coral landscapes and using cutting-edge approaches. We seek someone who can combine and manipulate multiple geospatial data sources, thus strong computing and quantitative skills are desirable. In particular, we seek someone with demonstrated experience with python or other high-level language and working knowledge of remote sensing or GIS concepts. A master’s degree in areas such as remote sensing, GIS, or computer science is strongly preferred. The position will be based at GDCS in Tempe, Arizona, and will report to GDCS Lead Data Scientist, Dr. Nick Vaughn, but will typically be collaborating on projects with several center scientists simultaneously.
 
Business office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm. 
Salary: $50,000 plus benefits
 
Minimum qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, four years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• Comfort with reading and writing Python code, preferably with geospatial programming experience.
• Experience with GIS software and a solid understanding of GIS concepts.

 
Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an appropriate field.
• Demonstrated skill in Linux command line - i.e. able to work on ASU’s Agave cluster.
• Experience in object-based satellite image classification (e.g., using eCognition or other image segmentation tools).
• Experience in handling and manipulating big remote sensing datasets.
• Knowledge of machine learning models and tools, particularly those applicable to remote sensing data.
• Interest to work in a highly international environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject discipline.
• Knowledge of modern research methods, data collection, and analyses.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating data.

Essential Duties:

• Performs scientific data collections, reductions, and analyses involving routine procedures characterized by moderate use of independent judgment.
• Conducts experiments, surveys, and excavation of sites using various tests, routines and analyses, aerial photographs, maps and survey instruments where procedures are clearly defined and results readily determined.
• Maintains detailed records of studies conducted, organizes data, prepares data for computer input and records computer output.
• Compiles data and generates computerized statistical data for analytical purposes using software packages; makes preliminary analyses and assists researchers in interpreting the data.
• Conducts library searches to find research or archaeological information on related procedures and techniques that can be used in the laboratory and/or field.
• Writes summaries of projects, documenting location, findings and procedures used and assists in writing reports by conducting literature searches and background research; prepares bibliographies as required.
• Operates laboratory and experimental equipment such as microtomes, microscopes, electron microscopes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, analytical balances, photometers and spectrometers.
• Performs minor repairs and makes arrangements for major repairs to be performed.
• Assists in performing necropsies and surgical procedures on research animals.
• Maintains detailed records of controlled substances used in the laboratory; packages waste material and arranges for disposal according to established procedures.
• Inventories and requisitions supplies; may maintain bookkeeping records.
• Trains students and staff in the operation of equipment and/or in the performance of technical procedures.

Review of applications will begin July 22, 2019, and continue until the position is filled. Applications should be sent to Andrea Cottrell: andrea.cottrell@asu.edu.