Research Scientist temporary

Requisition

S

Research Scientist I (full-time, temporary)

Exempt

This position is a pay grade 13. Please see Pay Grade Table at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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.

Professional

Dept of Environmental and Geosciences

Division of Academic Affairs

02/06/2026

Yes

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), experience in website or dashboard development for geospatial data visualization, and experience working with Linux‑based operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat) preferred.

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.

• Oversee and monitor data collection and analysis conducted by team members and disseminate findings through accurate and timely quarterly and annual reports and publications.
• Conduct research in agricultural and environmental modeling using geospatial and climatic datasets.
• Perform data processing and analysis of large‑scale remote sensing and meteorological datasets using Python.
• Develop and maintain geodatabases and web‑based visualization tools for project dissemination.
• Write and publish peer‑reviewed journal articles, reports, and proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with project partners from NASA, ASU, PVAMU, and SHSU.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate students participating in research activities, providing guidance in data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• 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 requires 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.

Full Time Temporary

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.