Research Specialist II; ARC Applied Research Center

About FIU

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and Mac Arthur Genius Fellows.

A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

Research Specialist II will contribute to the design of theoretical models, equipment of other avenues for data gathering, and analysis in the area of Drones, Robotic Platforms and Sensor Suites.

• Trains users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations, and outcomes.
• Maintain, calibrate, and deployment tracking and oversight of UAV lab electronic equipment (UAVs, Trimble GPS, sensors, etc.).
• Provides input to researchers on collection methods, analysis methods, and data products for projects.
• Perform all processing steps needed to produce georeferenced orthomosaics with provided software and perform basic analyses.
• Manage and document all planned flights in accordance with any regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Performs other necessary field data collection to ensure accuracy of UAV datasets.
• Oversees day-to-day operation of project and may supervise exempt and non-exempt research and support personnel.
• Collect spatial datasets using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to support ongoing research activities at Applied Robotics laboratory.
• Travels to demonstration sites, including DOE national laboratories and affiliated facilities, to oversee implementation, testing, and support of research deliverables.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to engineering fellows and students, assisting with project execution and workforce development initiatives in alignment with FIU ARC's mission.
• Develops and tests technology applications, including laboratory prototypes, in-house field testing, and validation leading to demonstrations at partner research and national laboratory sites.
• Supports the Applied Robotics Laboratory in the design, development, and integration of robotic platforms and sensor suites in support of DOE cooperative agreement projects focused on nuclear decommissioning and environmental cleanups
• Collaborates with researchers on long-range plans for project/programs.
• Assists and/or co-authors publications and present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
• Conducts analysis of data and interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis.
• Coordinates data collection and screening and verifies the data.
• Reviews reports and analysis of other researchers, as needed.
• Modifies and investigates new procedures, techniques, or application of technology integrating new findings in field of study.
• Contributes to the design of theoretical models, equipment of other avenues for data gathering, and analysis.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and four (4) years of experience or Master's degree and two (2) years of experience.

• U.S. Citizenship for federal facility clearance.

• Experience with exercising technology demonstrations.
• Experience in processing and analyzing different types of remotely sensed data, including Lidar, multi-spectral imagery, and hyperspectral imagery.
• Demonstrated experience with following software and hardware, including, but not limited to, production:
  Freefly, PX4, and Ardupilot sUAS systems, Pix4D, Cloud Compare, Solidworks.
• Experience with software for orthomosaic production using drone imagery.
• FAA Part 107 certification with at least two (2) years of remote pilot/RPIC experience and at least 100 documented flight hours.

• Administrative

• $75,000 - $80,000

Begin time: 8:30 AM

End time: 5:00 PM

• Required to work outside more than one hour per day
• Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling equipment.

• Criminal Background Check

• This position is funded by an external source (e.g. a grant or contract)

Prospective Employee

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