TGI​/UMSL Research Scientist

Job Description

This position is funded by the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) for a duration of two years. The program is designed to strengthen the connection between TGI and its 8 academic partner institutions through research. The position will be an active participant in the TGI's strategic initiatives (Geospatial Innovation for Food Security - GIFS and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence - GeoAI).

The TGI research Scientist will be placed and employed in the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and will report directly to its Director, Dr. Reda Amer. The TGI research scientist is expected to spend half of their time in support of TGI's strategic initiatives and related activities in close collaboration with the TGI Director of Program Management.

As a TGI research Scientist, the role involves identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, undertaking complex research projects, exploring emerging technologies, and enriching the geospatial knowledge base through scholarly publications and presentations. This focus on innovation drives advancements in geospatial technologies while snee attracting external funding and fostering partnerships with academic and research organizations. These efforts open new avenues for collaboration, enhance UMSL's reputation and capabilities in geospatial science and contribute to TGI's growth as the hub for geospatial excellence in the nation.

As a TGI research Scientist, the position engages in the planning and/or execution of TGI strategic initiatives which will include identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals with the TGI consortium and UMSL. The Scientist will work with TGI's ambitious and passionate program managers and the growth and partnerships team in the pursuit of government, industry and/or philanthropy funding.

The Geospatial Research Scientist will play a pivotal role in supporting UMSL faculty with their research projects, securing grant funding, and fostering collaborations across TGI's consortium institutions and academic departments. This position is crucial for advancing the research objectives of the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative, advancing TGI's vision and mission, and elevating its reputation within the geospatial community.

• Identify and secure grant funding opportunities to support geospatial research projects. Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals, working closely with faculty and collaborators to ensure alignment with funding agency priorities.
• Actively support UMSL faculty in their research endeavors and the pursuit of funded research proposals.
• Work with TGI staff on current GIFSs and GeoAI projects and events; conduct high‑quality geospatial research that contributes to the field and aligns with the strategic objectives of the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative and of TGI. Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at relevant conferences.
• Lead and mentor research teams and graduate students, guiding them from project inception through to execution and dissemination of results.

• Short Term Funding: TGI pays 100% for two years. The TGI research scientist will commit half their time to actively working with TGI staff and/or on TGI activities.
• Long Term Funding:
  Secure their salaries by applying for grants from governmental agencies, non‑profit organizations, private foundations, and industry.

• A Ph.D. in Geospatial Science, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, Computer Science or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in geospatial research, including expertise in GIS Divide, remote sensing, spatial analysis, Python, Machine Learning, and AI.
• Demonstrated success in securing research grants and a track record of scholarly publications.
• Exceptional analytical and technical skills, including proficiency in geospatial software and tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and with external partners.
• Strong commitment to academic and research excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary…