Research Specialist IV

Department Institute For A Disaster Resilient Texas

Job Title Research Specialist IV

Agency Texas A&M University

Department Institute For A Disaster Resilient Texas

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Houston, Texas

Job Type Staff

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are:
Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

The Division of Research is committed to a truly comprehensive university where students, researchers, and inventors bring scholarship and innovation to bear for the benefit of the community, the state, and the nation. Texas A&M's research creates new knowledge that provides basic, fundamental, and applied contributions resulting, in many cases, in economic benefits to the state, nation and world.

The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) seeks a Research Specialist IV to support the Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center (DDRC) with the development, execution, and delivery of advanced data‑reconnaissance products that strengthen disaster resilience decision‑making across Texas. The Research Specialist IV, under general direction, conducts field data collection, operation of remote and physical sensing systems, safety and regulatory compliance, data processing and analysis, technical documentation, and production of actionable geospatial data products.

The position will also contribute to project management, stakeholder engagement, publication support, and training for internal and external users.

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research.

Required Licenses And Certifications

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot license (part 107), small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of GIS, remote sensing, UAS operations, and environmental sensing technologies.
• Ability to interpret and process complex datasets to create meaningful decision‑support products.
• Skill in writing technical documentation, mission summaries, and operational guides.
• Ability to work independently in the field under variable terrain and weather conditions.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to brief stakeholders, prepare technical presentations, and train personnel.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage equipment, field logistics, and multi‑modal data workflows.
• Ability to adhere to safety requirements, regulatory guidance, and data‑security protocols.

• Experience with multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, or hyperspectral remote‑sensing systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in geospatial analysis platforms (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Auto Desk ReCAP).
• Experience developing technical documentation, standard operating procedures, or workflow guides.
• Experience supporting interagency operations, emergency response, or mission‑critical data environments.
• Proficiency in data visualization, environmental monitoring, or artificial intelligence (AI)‑assisted analytic workflows.
• Prior experience training audiences or managing data‑collection teams.
• Familiarity with satellite remote sensing (electro‑optical (EO)/satellite aperture radar (SAR)) and data‑fusion practices.

• Data Reconnaissance – Conducts field data collection campaigns using UAS, RTK systems, GPS/GNSS, ground‑based sensors, and environmental instrumentation. Plans, coordinates, and executes data‑collection missions, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and institutional safety requirements. Performs sensor deployment, calibration, flight operations, and data‑quality assurance for aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic platforms. Processes and analyzes…