Research Scientist - Remote Sensing Technology & Lab Specialist

Research Scientist - Remote Sensing Technology & Lab Specialist

Northern Arizona University

• This position is an on‑site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non‑renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

NAU's Radiant Center for Remote Sensing coalesces existing expertise in remote sensing and applications across the university to answer pressing scientific questions in multiple disciplines including planetary surfaces, atmospheres, ecology, forestry, wildfire science, environmental science, urban planning/geography, geoscience/volcano logy, and anthropology/archeology. The Radiant Center is housed under the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) which promotes research, scholarship, and creative activity across Northern Arizona University.

The Radiant Center for Remote Sensing seeks an experienced Research Scientist to primarily conduct and support remote‑sensing research in alignment with Center priorities and projects. This position plays a critical role in advancing instrument development for Earth‑based and planetary research while ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.

The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, define project goals, and facilitate successful interdisciplinary research. They will be encouraged and expected to pursue independent research through external funding as a Principal Investigator and/or Co‑PI.

Responsibilities include developing methodologies, improving existing processes, and applying analytical approaches to research challenges. Due to the nature of the Radiant Center's research activities, the incumbent must possess a deep and comprehensive knowledge of remote sensing laboratory and field equipment, including calibration processes, inventory control, and lifecycle maintenance of instruments such as spectrometers, precision calibration equipment, and UAV's. The role involves planning and executing field campaigns, deploying UAVs and other remote sensing platforms, and ensuring proper calibration and readiness of all field and laboratory assets.

The position requires expertise in processing and analyzing remote sensing datasets, integrating multi‑sensor data streams, managing workflows that guarantee data integrity, and supporting advanced modeling for Earth and planetary science applications.

The successful candidate will remain current with emerging remote sensing technologies and field practices, uphold regulatory standards, and enable successful internal and external audits. They will mentor and evaluate students and research staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. By facilitating these efforts, the Research Scientist will advance the Center's mission in remote sensing and planetary science.

• 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 research 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, as well as export‑controlled and CUI requirements; maintain controls required for laboratory and field operations; 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.
• 6 years in a research or academic role involving remote sensing or field‑based scientific investigations.
• A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.