Research Scientist - Remote Sensing Technology & Lab Specialist

Research Scientist – Remote Sensing Technology & Lab Specialist

Full‑time – Arizona – Northern Arizona University – Posted Mar 1 – Salary:
Negotiable

• This position requires primarily on‑site work at the NAU campus or facility. Remote work opportunities are rare.
• Funding is grant‑based. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

NAU’s Radiant Center for Remote Sensing consolidates expertise in remote sensing and applications to answer scientific questions across planetary, atmospheric, ecological, forestry, wildfire, environmental, urban, geoscience, and anthropological research. The Center is housed under the Office of the Vice President for Research.

The Radiant Center seeks an experienced Research Scientist to conduct and support remote‑sensing research aligned with center priorities and projects. The role focuses on instrument development for Earth‑based and planetary research, compliance with regulations, and leadership of interdisciplinary research initiatives. The candidate will pursue independent research as Principal Investigator or Co‑PI, secure external funding, and publish results.

60% – Independent Research

• Develop and lead independent research projects aligned with the center’s mission in remote sensing and planetary science.
• Serve as Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator on proposals, including project design, budgeting and reporting.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to expand research opportunities and funding streams.

20% – Fieldwork & Laboratory Standards

• Conduct and support research activities in off‑site/outdoor environments and security‑sensitive instrument laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, university, state, and federal regulations, and with export‑controlled & CUI requirements.
• Maintain controls required for laboratory and field operations and ensure integrity and accuracy of research records.

15% – Training and Data Management

• Mentor and evaluate students and research staff on laboratory and field equipment use, calibration procedures, and data collection protocols.
• Support data integrity through proper workflows for sample preparation, laboratory analysis, and remote‑sensing data processing.
• Assist with integrating multi‑sensor datasets and advanced modeling for Earth and planetary science applications.

5% – Other

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the center’s mission.

• Terminal degree in Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Planetary Science, Geospatial Science, or a closely related field.
• Six years of research or academic experience involving remote sensing or field‑based scientific investigations.
• A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent.

(Benefits are provided by the university and typically include health insurance, retirement plan, tuition remission, and professional development support.)