Geospatial Research Scientist

Job Description:

The Geospatial Research Core Facility (GRCF) at Michigan Technological University invites applications for a full-time Geospatial Research Scientist to join the interdisciplinary research community in the Great Lakes Research Center. The GRCF is seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious professional interested in supporting research in GIS for environmental and social scientists. This individual will support multiple projects from across the campus community working directly in a collaborative environment with faculty and research scientists to solve geospatial research questions, develop GISmethodologies, create data management plans for external research grants, document and manage geospatial data, and support the development and deployment of GIS datasets, apps, and servers. This position also assists the GRCF Director in the management of two GIS research laboratories. The successful candidate will have a solid background in geographic information systems, database and ArcGIS server management, and the suite of ESRI GIS products.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Participate as a collaborative team member on multi-disciplinary research that applies GIS techniques and tools to environmental and social science topics and problems
2. Manage data and access to laboratory ArcGIS and database servers
3. Support development and deployment of GIS datasets and mobile applications
4. Support development and implementation of geospatial data management plans
5. Provide technical assistance to geospatial research outputs such as journal articles and reports
6. Contribute to the generation of externally funded research proposals
7. Support management of research laboratory equipment
8. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.
10. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in geographic information science, geography, library or information science (with focus on GIS), data science, environmental science, or similar related field
OR
• Bachelor’s degree in geographic information science, geography, library or information science (with focus on GIS), data science, environmental science, or similar related field, and 3 years related professional or research experience

• Experience working in a research environment
• Recent experience with ESRI ArcGIS 10.0 or higher suite of products and services
• Recent experience with GIS servers and geospatial data management
• Experience with database servers such as but not limited to Microsoft SQL Server

Preferred Education & Experience:

• PhD is desirable 
• Courses and experience in database management and spatial analysis
• Experience managing projects and developing GIS methodologies for environmental and social science research
• Experience developing and writing research grant proposals
• Understanding of common web and open source technologies for geospatial data such as XML, Python, GeoServer, PostGIS, OpenLayers, WebGIS, Mobile GIS, Javascript, and GDAL/OGR as well as APIs
• Experience managing and deploying big geospatial datasets
• Experience in spatial analysis
• Familiarity Experience working with the public using GIS tools and techniques (e.g., PPGIS)
• Experience developing Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) metadata
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to contribute in collaborative research projects

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Highly motivated, self-directed, collaboratively minded individual
• Interested emerging technologies and methodologies
• Ability to engage the public using GIS tools and techniques

Apply online at link included