TGI/UMSL Research Scientist

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Location St. Louis
Full/Part Time Full-Time
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UMSL Geospatial Collaborative at the University of Missouri - St. Louis

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 also 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.

Primary Duties Include:

* 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.

Position Funding Short-Term and Long-Term:

* 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.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

* 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, 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 research environment and contribute to the growth and success of the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative and TGI Consortium.

Specialized Areas of Interest:

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
* Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) - strongly preferred
* Geospatial for agriculture, food security and climate - strongly preferred
* Digital Twins and Smart Cities
* Geospatial Big Data Analytics
* Location Intelligence (LI)
* Climate Change Analysis

Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Other Information

About UMSL Geospatial Collaborative

The UMSL Geospatial Collaborative is dedicated to advancing geospatial education, research, and innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications. As a founding member of the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) and a partner of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and a key player in the St. Louis geospatial ecosystem, UMSL Geospatial Collaborative plays a key role in shaping the future of geospatial science. We equip students and professionals with cutting-edge skills in GIS, remote sensing, and location-based technologies. Our initiatives include academic programs, hands-on training, industry partnerships, and K-12 outreach, fostering a diverse and skilled geospatial workforce. By bridging academia, industry, and community, we strive to make geospatial knowledge accessible and impactful across multiple sectors. https://www.umsl.edu/geospatial/index.html

About Taylor Geospatial Institute

The Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) aims to be a leading global geospatial institute positioned for collaboration, impact, and community building. Humanity is facing unprecedented challenges through natural disasters, climate change, and more, but there is also rapid positive change. TGI is confronting these challenges with novel solutions, and geospatial is at the center of it all. TGI sits at the right pace, at the right time, and with the right mix of resources and stakeholders to help tackle big problems. The consortium can fuel the fires of innovation and research, and our vision, mission, and values guide the community toward these goals. Together, we will spark a revolution in geospatial science and technology to solve global problems. Join TGI to make this vision become a reality. taylorgeospatial.org/tgi_mission_and_vision/

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.