Research Scientist I (full-time, temporary)

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Academic Affairs, Agriculture, ArcGIS, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Data Processing, Data Science, Data Sets, Data Visualization, Earth Sciences, Environmental Research, Federal Government, Funding, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geospatial Analysis, Linux Operating System, Meteorology, People Management, PostgreSQL, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Red Hat Linux Operating System, Reporting Dashboards, Research Skills, Scientific Research, Spatial Data, Time Management, Training Data Sets, Training/Teaching, Ubuntu, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Web Design, Workflow Analysis, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Huntsville, TX
POSTED
30+ days ago

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community. Named after Texas legendary hero General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career, including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries, and a flexible work environment fostering work-life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Requisition 202600032S

Title: Research Scientist I Full-time temporary FLSA status: Exempt Hiring Salary: This position is a pay grade 13. Please see Pay Grade Table at http://spa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116docs550174.pdf. This is a full-time temporary benefits-eligible grant-funded position expected to end on or before 01/01/2029. Continuation of the position is contingent upon continued funding.

Occupational Category: Professional Department: Dept of Environmental and Geosciences Division: Division of Academic Affairs Open Date: 02/06/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

Ph.D. in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or a closely related discipline. Two years of research, teaching, or experience in a related field. Experience managing geodatabases (e.g., ArcGIS, PostgreSQL, PostGIS) and experience in website or dashboard development for geospatial data visualization. Experience working with Linux-based operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat) is preferred.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Scientist conducts advanced research in geospatial data science, remote sensing, and agricultural and climate modeling as part of a NASA-funded research initiative. The position focuses on integrating remote sensing, GIS, and climatic datasets to support sustainable agricultural monitoring and decision-making. This role involves the development and application of geospatial models, analytical workflows, and data products with substantial independence in research design, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination. The Research Scientist is expected to contribute intellectually to the project, lead peer-reviewed publications, and collaborate with multi-institutional research partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Oversees and monitors data collection and analysis conducted by team members and disseminates findings through accurate and timely quarterly and annual reports and publications. Conducts research in agricultural and environmental modeling using geospatial and climatic datasets. Performs data processing and analysis of large-scale remote sensing and meteorological datasets using Python. Develops and maintains geodatabases and web-based visualization tools for project dissemination. Writes and publishes peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, and proposals. Collaborates effectively with project partners from NASA, ASU, PVAMU, and SHSU. Mentors and supervises undergraduate students participating in research activities, providing guidance in data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Demonstrated experience in agricultural modeling, Python programming, or weather-climate data analysis. Strong scientific writing and communication skills. Proven record of peer-reviewed publications. Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Should be qualified to perform independent research activities and to supervise other research personnel.

The nature of duties is such that they require knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require regular exercise of discretion and judgment. May require contacts with faculty, staff, other university departments, state and federal agencies, other researchers, and outside vendors. Attention and care are required in the performance of duties to prevent injury to self or others.

Note

Please submit 2 writing samples in the required documents along with 2-3 professional references.

Full Time Part Time Full Time Temporary Position Number: Quicklink: http://sshu.peopleadmin.com/postings/46199 EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke-Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Faculty Reference Contact Information Writing Sample Optional Documents Screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.

About the Company

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Sam Houston State University