Employment Opportunities

Satellite Data Analysts/Scientists, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Belgium

Deadline: 7 February 2025

There are 2 positions open in the Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Monitoring (REMSEM) team at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS, address: rue Vautier 29 – 1000 Brussels, Belgium).

Satellite Data Analyst/Scientist SW1

Duties include:

• Development of ocean colour satellite applications including setting up and maintaining automated processing pipelines combining different software packages in a python environment.
• Development of new ocean colour algorithms including but not limited to chlorophyll-a concentration, turbidity, phytoplankton functional types, mapping of benthic vegetation, detection of floating objects (e.g. vegetation, foam, plastics, mammals).
• Investigate the potential of Machine Learning techniques in ocean colour applications.
• Work in a small productive team in cooperation with European partners.
• Writing technical documentation and/or scientific publications
• Presentation of results in English

Read the full position description and how to apply for SW1.

Satellite Data Analyst/Scientist SW2

Duties include:

• Development of ocean colour satellite applications including setting up and maintaining automated processing pipelines combining different software packages in a python environment.
• Development of new ocean colour algorithms including but not limited to chlorophyll-a concentration, turbidity, phytoplankton functional types, mapping of benthic vegetation, detection of floating objects (e.g. vegetation, foam, plastics, mammals).
• Investigate the potential of Machine Learning techniques in ocean colour applications.
• Work in a small productive team in cooperation with European partners.
• Writing technical documentation, scientific publications, project proposals
• Presentation of results in English
• Work package management in ongoing European projects

Read the full position description and how to apply for SW2.

Ocean Color Remote Sensing Specialist, IBSS, Remote, USA

US citizenship required.

Deadline: 24 February 2025

IBSS is seeking a Full Time Ocean Color Remote Sensing Specialist to work with a team of federal scientists at NOAA and NASA to compile and collect in situ optical and pigment measurements and create operational ocean color products relevant to fisheries science and ecosystem-based management. The purpose of this work is to develop accurate ocean color algorithms in the coastal ocean.

The Ocean Color Remote Sensing Specialist will work independently and with fisheries science centers to compile a quality-controlled database of all the relevant pigment and other relevant optical and environmental data. The specialist will also assemble time/space-matched satellite (or in situ) remote sensing reflectance data and heritage chlorophyll products. These paired data will be used for development and testing, and provide region-specific feedback on algorithm performance. Results will be shared for iterative collaboration during the active product development phase to produce coastal chlorophyll-a products.

The period of performance for this role is from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

See the job description for more details, or the IBSS career page: https://ibsscorp.com/careers/

Researcher in Marine Science, French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom), France

Deadline: 15 February 2025

The French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom) opens a contract for a Researcher in Marine Science.

Position length: 18 months
Location: Europe/France/Brittany/BREST 29200
Start date: May 2025

The candidate:
She/he is holding a postgraduate degree, preferably a PhD in marine geoscience with knowledge in computer programming, signal processing of oceanographic data, and experience in remote sensing of ocean colour. An experience in detection of specific algal blooms or Phytoplankton Functional Types is appreciated.

The vacancy:
The appointee will develop the detection of dinoflagellates in ocean subsurface by satellite remote sensing of its water colour. She/he will process satellite images, detect and remove clouds and shadows, apply dedicated atmospheric correction algorithms, and develop algorithms for the determination of dinoflagellate concentrations. Validation will make use of in situ measurements, from existing databases, and will require comparisons, analysis and statistics. Our geographic area of interest covers the North-East Atlantic, Mediterranean and Arabian Seas. Also, duties will include embarkations on oceanographic research vessels. Two sea surveys of about two weeks each are planned in the Gulf of Lion (Mediterranean Sea). The work involves cooperation with the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology (Marseille 13000) in marine biology and notably bioluminescence, and Lab-STICC (Brest) in statistics and artificial intelligence.

The project:
The appointee will participate to the project BIOLUMOPS 2024-2026 (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-23-ASTR-0028). This project is about studying marine bioluminescence. The four main tasks of the project are multidisciplinary: 1. integrating two bioluminescence sensors on a glider; 2. deploying ship and glider in the Gulf of Lion; 3. classifying bioluminescent organisms; 4. Detecting dinoflagellates through ocean colour satellite remote sensing. The present post deals with Task 4.

The agency:
Shom is appointed to collect and check all the information necessary to ensure maritime navigation’s safety. It is responsible for providing hydrographic and oceanographic support to the French Navy in measuring, describing and forecasting the maritime environment. Shom also supports maritime and coastal public policies by providing expertise in maritime limits and boundaries and integrated coastal management.

The salary:
Entry-level monthly net salary: €2,600 (more with experience)
Agency’s canteen: 4.70€ per meal
Coverage of public transport costs: 75%
Cost of living in Brest: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Brest

How to apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter by email to “recrutement@shom.fr” before 15 February 2025. The reference of the post is: BIOLUMOPS

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
Dr Frédéric Jourdin (he/him)
Office phone: +33 256 31 24 49
Email: jourdin@shom.fr

Post Doc Research Scientist- Aquatic Bio-optics & Remote Sensing, Maryland, USA

US Citizenship required.

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a Post Doc Research Scientist to join the Ocean Ecology Lab (OEL) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This is a full time Post-Doctoral position to support the labs role in producing, evaluating, and distributing bio-optical and biogeochemical properties from satellite ocean color data records. This position specifically focuses on processing and evaluation of existing satellite and field data with the goal of developing and improving satellite methods for derivation of near-surface concentrations of chlorophyll-a and, potentially, other metrics of aquatic biogeochemistry.

Specific duties include: (1) compilation and analysis of relevant field and satellite data; (2) remote-sensing algorithm development, verification, and refinement, with an eye on approaches to derive chlorophyll-a consistently across multiple missions and on regional-to-global scales; (3) collaboration across all elements with related projects, as well as with external science partners on analyses and interpretation of results; and, (4) presentation of results in relevant conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in oceanography or related field and demonstrated experience in aquatic bio-optics and remote-sensing;
• Proficiency in Matlab, Python, IDL, or equivalent software;
• Experience in SeaDAS or related satellite data-processing software;
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed literature as first author.
• US Citizenship required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed literature on satellite ocean color, atmospheric correction, and bio-optical algorithms
• Experience in handling large bio-optical in situ and satellite data sets
• Proficiency in processing satellite remote sensing observations
• Experience with collection, processing, and analyzing biogeochemical measurements from in situ platforms

EOE, including disability/vets
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary Range: $95,000-$115,000

Apply Here: Post Doc Research Scientist- Aquatic Bio-optics & Remote Sensing

PostDoctoral Fellowship at CNR-ISMAR (Istituto di Scienze Marine- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) in ROME, ITALY.

Graduate student position in polar oceanography or coastal systems research, Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA

Deadline: 1 January 2025

Graduate student position in polar oceanography or coastal systems research at Old Dominion University (ODU), in Norfolk Virginia, USA, starting fall 2025 with Dr. Jessie Turner. The lab at ODU focuses on remote sensing, modeling, and observations of polar oceans and coastal systems using large datasets. In polar oceans, the lab looks at interactions between climate, sea ice, and ecosystem dynamics in the West Antarctic Peninsula region of the Southern Ocean, using remote sensing of phytoplankton community composition and 1-dimensional hydrodynamic-ecosystem modeling to assess different species’ carbon uptake. In coastal systems, the lab looks at water clarity, particles, and light in aquatic ecosystems, and have investigated how shoreline armoring impacts water clarity in estuaries and how water clarity varies over decadal time scales in places such as the Chesapeake Bay.

See the full position description. If interested please email jturners@odu.edu with your CV or resume. Applications are due January 1, 2025 to the ODU graduate program.

Lead Research Scientist, Science Systems and Applications, Inc. to support NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, MD, USA

Only USA citizens or permanent residents

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a highly talented and motivated ocean color data analyst to support NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the analysis of (1) aquatic optical and biogeochemical measurements including data processing of in situ optical properties; (2) development and validation of ocean color remote sensing algorithms; and (3) processing and analysis of satellite and airborne remote sensing data. This is an onsite position located at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.  The ocean color data analyst research assistant/associate supports research directed at understanding diurnal to interannual aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystem dynamics on regional scales.  The analyst will process and analyze in situ aquatic optical properties and biogeochemical measurements to develop and apply ocean color remote sensing algorithms of inherent optical properties, particulate organic carbon, phytoplankton pigments, physiology and community composition, and turbidity across river mouth-estuary-sea systems along the coastal Arctic, Gulf of Mexico, and other regions using ocean color remote sensing data and field measurements. Project objectives include (1) development, refinement and validation of algorithms to retrieve these data products, (2) processing and analysis of remote sensing data to examine diurnal to interannual variability of aquatic biogeochemical processes, and (3) to quantify carbon fluxes from rivers to coastal ocean. The research will emphasize the aquatic carbon cycle and the interactions and feedbacks between biological, chemical, and physical processes.

Duties of the Optics Research Assistant

Perform data processing from raw optical field measurements to final data products (e.g., spectral absorption coefficients, backscatter coefficients, and remote sensing reflectance) along with quantification of measurement uncertainties. Assemble and analyze aquatic optical and biogeochemical measurements. Development and refinement of remote sensing algorithms utilizing advanced methods to incorporate hyperspectral observations. Provide support for preparation of reports and publication of results in peer-reviewed journals. Develop and document scripts required to accomplish duties. Participate in scientific meetings and workshops.

• M.S. in data science, oceanography, physical sciences, or closely related science/engineering discipline (or B.S. plus three years of related experience)
• Strong computer programming skills, including Python, MATLAB, and other programming languages and software tools.
• Experience with optical instrumentation, especially those used to collect measurements of aquatic radiometry and inherent optical properties.
• Knowledge and research experience in oceanography and ocean color satellite or airborne remote sensing
• Good problem-solving skills; attention to detail; ability to learn quickly, to work efficiently and independently.
• Competence in data extraction, reduction and processing from specialized research instrumentation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• US Permanent Residency or US Citizenship required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in data science, oceanography, physical sciences, or closely related science/engineering discipline (less than two years since Ph.D.; or M.S. plus two years of related experience)
• Excellent programming skills; experience with Python, MATLAB and other programming languages and software tools
• Experience in handling large data sets Knowledge of data science tools and methodology.
• Experience in processing satellite and/or airborne remote sensing observations
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse and distributed team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Expertise with optical instruments used to collect measurements of aquatic radiometry and inherent optical properties and processing data collected by those instruments.
• Experience with image processing.

Scripps Postdoctoral Scholar Award, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA

Reviews start: 25 October 2024

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in La Jolla, California, invites applications for one or more Institution-wide Postdoctoral positions in any of the major areas of research conducted at Scripps. Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for marine science research in the world. Research at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans, earth, and atmosphere.

Candidates are required to contact potential SIO mentors and identify mutual research interests prior to submitting their applications. Scripps Postdoctoral scholars are expected to interact with existing programs. Research activities at Scripps can be explored by viewing profiles of the Principal Investigators at Scripps (https://scripps.ucsd.edu/people/faculty). The intention of this program is to expose early career postdocs to new research opportunities and the facilities available at SIO/UCSD. Awards are competitive with a major emphasis on independent, creative research. The Postdoc positions are for two years and award 24 months of salary with a minimum annual stipend of $74,000 plus benefits and a one-time research allowance of $6,000 (continuation into second year is contingent on performance and adequate progress). Appointees are eligible for health insurance through UC San Diego.

Successful candidates are expected to start before 1 December 2025.

Read the full description and how to apply here: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04051

Global Change Biology and Remote Sensing Faculty Positions, Boston University, USA

Reviews start: 15 October 2024

The Departments of Biology and Earth & Environment at Boston University seek candidates for two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions: one in Global Change Biology and one in Global Change Remote Sensing, both starting July 1, 2025.

These positions are part of a cluster hire initiative in Global Change & Sustainability led by Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences. Candidates whose work spans multiple disciplines in Global Change & Sustainability are preferred. The successful candidates will have appointments in the Department of Biology or Earth & Environment, with the option to have a joint or secondary appointment. We seek candidates that complement and broaden existing expertise in the Departments of Biology and Earth and Environment and the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University, which includes faculty with research interests in atmospheric, marine, and terrestrial ecosystem processes.  A key goal of this joint search is to deepen existing connections and collaborations between the departments of Biology and Earth and Environment, and we specifically seek candidates who will advance this goal.

For the Global Change Biology position we seek candidates whose research addresses fundamental questions about human-induced environmental change at the level of genes, organisms, communities, or ecosystems in terrestrial, marine, or freshwater systems. Any scale of inquiry is appropriate, from genes to the biosphere, with a focus on biotic interactions under environmental change.

For the Global Change Remote Sensing position we seek candidates whose research falls in any domain of Earth observation, including both active (radar, lidar) and passive (optical, thermal, microwave) remote sensing. The scientific focus for this position is open, including any thematic area related to physical, chemical, or biological function of the Earth system, such as processes in oceans, the atmosphere, on land, and in coupled human-natural systems. We particularly welcome candidates whose expertise complements existing strengths in global environmental change at Boston University.

Review of applications for both positions will begin 15 October 2024.

Read the full position description and apply at AcademicJobsOnline. Select the position of interest (Global Change Biology or Global Change Remote Sensing), then submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of research, teaching & mentorship, and three representative reprints. Please provide the names and contact information for three professional references.

Inquiries can be addressed to Richard Primack (primack@bu.edu), Chair, Global Change Biology Search Committee; or Mark Friedl (friedl@bu.edu), Chair, Global Change Remote Sensing Search Committee, as appropriate. Please visit the following website for information about the Departments of Biology (http://www.bu.edu/biology/) and Earth & Environment (https://www.bu.edu/earth/).

Three Ph.D. opportunities at Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) and Laval University (UL)/IRL Takuvik, Canada

Read the full position description and how to apply here.