Position Description

Remote Sensing Research Scientist
Job Category Fulltime Regular
ExemptOvertimeEligible Exempt
Benefits Eligible Benefit Based
Apply Now

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences and Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech seeks an experienced Remote Sensing Research Scientist to run the Bruce Murray Laboratory for Planetary Visualization. The Murray Lab supports the use of remote sensing in teaching and research in Earth and Planetary Science. It produces and curates data sets and image processing tools to bring geospatial and three­ dimensional information essential for geosciences into the hands of students and researchers.

Essential Job Duties

  • Work with multiple faculty from various disciplines in Earth and Planetary Science to facilitate the use of remote sensing data (e.g., optical, radar from satellite or UAVs) for teaching and research.
  • Manage and develop software to process remote sensing images (radiometry, photogrammetry).
  • Manage hardware for processing and visualization in 3D.
  • Independently develop methods and work with faculty, students, and academic and industry partners to successfully complete projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in remote sensing, computer science, or related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience in advanced image and point-cloud processing: 3D photogrammetry, co-registration and orthorectification, sub-pixel change detection, topographic analyses, and data visualization.
  • Application of latest developments and algorithms from computer vision and machine learning to spatial data analyses in geosciences.
  • Experience working with satellite, aerial, and drone-based datasets such as multi-band vis/near-lR images, stereo data, LiDAR, RADAR, and spectroscopic datasets and their processing/correction.
  • Familiarity with data wrangling and database management of multiple remote sensing data types, including planetary missions.
  • Skilled coding in languages such as Python and/or C-languages; experience with industry remote sensing software packages such as ARC GIS and their application to basic mapping and environmental impact assessment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work with students in teaching advanced processing techniques.
  • Ability to work with other campus entities or external groups on relevant issues external to Murray Lab (i.e. network speeds for data transfer, data sharing with off-campus facilities, interactive data analysis involving collaborations with researchers at off-campus facilities).

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$85,000 to $118,500 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. 

Back Apply Now