Job Announcement: PostDoc in Remote Sensing/AI

The USDA-ARS Northwest Watershed Research Center (NWRC) in Boise, Idaho is seeking a post-doctoral research associate with relevant skills and experience to: 1) develop a combination of remote sensing and AI-based approaches for estimating common metrics used to assess rangeland agroecosystem health and productivity by the USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on public lands and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) on private lands; 2) evaluate the efficacy and robustness of these novel approaches for application across the scope of the Great Basin and other semi-arid regions; and 3) conduct effective technology transfer to research customers as well as colleagues and collaborators in the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network and the USDA Scientific Computing Initiative (SCINet). 

 

This ARS-funded GS-11/12 position will be stationed at the NWRC in Boise, Idaho for a 13-month term (extendable to 4 years maximum). The research associate will work with Dr. Patrick Clark (Range Scientist, NWRC) as well as closely collaborate with researchers and staff of the Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory (BCAL) at Boise State University.  The research associate also engage with colleagues and relevant working groups of the LTAR Network and SCINet to collaboratively develop network science products.  This position requires US citizenship [or permanent residency (Green Card) with intent to become a citizen] and a Ph.D. in geospatial science & engineering (remote sensing), applied mathematics, data science, ecology, hydrology, or a related field. Knowledge of current methods using UAS remote sensing, machine learning, deep learning, and rangeland ecology is highly desirable. The ability to write, re-fine, and troubleshoot code in python, R, and/or other scientific programming languages is a critical requirement. Strong collaborative, oral, and written communications skills are required.  Desirable experience includes: i) processing and working with UAS imagery in wildland or agricultural settings; using field data for remote sensing accuracy assessment and validation; iii) implementing AI applications for image recognition and classification; iv) modeling spatial and/or time-series data types; v) using repositories and other version control tools and methods; and/or vi) proficiency in Linux, batch scripting, and implementing jobs on HPC clusters.

 

To request more information and apply, please contact Patrick Clark (Pat.Clark@usda.gov). Applications should include a full CV, a one-page cover letter outlining your research interests related to the program objectives described above and prior experience in related fields, and the contact information for three references. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.