Lead Research Scientist

Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER) Institute is a growing, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and conducting research in science, particularly atmospheric and space science.  Since its establishment in 1993, BAER has become well recognized nationally for its significant contributions to various fields of scientific research.  BAER’s clientele include various federal government agencies, and BAER has had a long-standing collaborative relationship with NASA.  The Institute’s research and program leadership activities with NASA include work with both the Earth Science and Space Science Divisions at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View.  BAER has developed and maintained an outstanding reputation for its project management, financial reporting, and program and partnership development capabilities as well as for its resourcefulness in providing expert scientists, researchers, and support staff for mission-critical Agency projects.]

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LEAD RESEARCH SCIENTIST

The employee will be a Lead Research Scientist for the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX) Team, within the Biospheric Science Branch (SGE), Earth Science Division (SG), at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Moffett Field, CA.  NEX is a platform for scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research for the Earth science community.  Located at the NASA Research Park at Moffett Field, CA, NEX collaborates with researchers across the globe to facilitate the use of Earth science data, models, analysis tools and scientific results through a centralized environment that fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, innovation and direct access to computer resources. This position offers a meaningful opportunity for the successful candidate to be actively involved in the Institute’s mission to improve the understanding of basic climate processes and how they impact global ecosystems, as well as other specialized areas of research.

THE CANDIDATE

The Lead Research Scientist will apply NEX capabilities to analyze long-term and emerging trends in ecosystem conditions. In addition, he or she will conduct simulations of climate and land use change impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Major duties include:

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
• Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate; prepares manuscripts for publication; and presents research results at scientific conferences and groups.
• Maintains current knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and systems.
• Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on sub-projects.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

PhD in Geosciences, Earth Sciences, or related degree, and at least three years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified above that provided expertise in:

• Advanced remote sensing techniques and physical algorithms: Radiative Transfer theory, MODIS and MISR, Landsat derived biophysical variables (e.g. LAI), Lidar and Radar remote sensing for biomass estimation, and multi-senor fusion for carbon flux estimation.
• Image Analytics: Pattern Recognition/Image Classification, Big Data Architectures for large image manipulation and query, soft computing techniques (i.e. Fuzzy, Neuro-fuzzy, genetic algos).
• Climate modeling and dynamics.
• Machine Learning: Deep Learning Algorithms for large image classification (e.g. from Worldview, NAIP, Landsat, etc.), biophysical parameter prediction and climate gridding.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• Ability to develop and follow research methodologies and protocol.
• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research.
• Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to perform independent, original research in an advanced area of scientific expertise.
•  Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify research concepts and approaches to specific projects/tasks.
• Ability to supervise and train employees

SALARY & BENEFITS

Compensation includes a competitive base salary along with health insurance benefits (including medical, dental, prescription drug, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits), ten paid holidays annually, a generous vacation and sick-time accrual policy, an employer-funded 403b defined- contribution plan, and eligibility for optional participation in a 403b tax-deferred-annuity plan.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send resume with cover letter to resumes@baeri.org and include "Lead Research Scientist” in the subject line. All candidates must also provide a list of publications, and a list of at least 3 people willing to provide letters of reference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  June 15, 2019

DESIRED START DATE:  August 1, 2019

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT

Must be a U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or Foreign National eligible for either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

BAER Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, medical condition, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation, please contact Donna Turnley of the BAER Institute Human Resources Team at turnley@baeri.org.