Postdoctoral Research Associate

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The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to support research and development in nautical chart symbology, chart compilation, and visualization of data overlays within decision-support systems for marine navigation. The position focuses primarily on the design, prototyping, and evaluation of symbology for maritime data products, with particular emphasis on layered displays, perceptual evaluation, and robustness under real operational conditions.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of visual perception, digital cartography, and maritime navigation systems, addressing challenges that are becoming increasingly important as new generation maritime products and services continue to expand. The work has direct relevance to international standards development and operational navigation systems and offers opportunities for scholarly publication and community impact.

• Cartographic Research & Analysis (50%)
  • Conduct research on color and symbology behavior in layered electronic chart displays, including transparency, blending, and perceptual separability.
  • Develop and evaluate methods for perceptually grounded symbology selection, including simulation-based assessment across multiple background contexts.
  • Design and execute evaluation studies (analytical and/or user-centered) to assess interpretability, robustness, and usability of proposed symbology.
  • Contribute to related research in nautical cartography, including data generalization and automated chart compilation workflows.
• Tool & Prototype Development (25%)
  • Design and implement prototype tools (e.g., for color evaluation, blending analysis, or symbology testing).
• Standards & Collaboration (15%)
  • Contribute to standards development for emerging maritime product specifications, including interaction with IHO working groups.
• Publications and Service (10%)
  • Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and IHO information papers.
  • Provide mentorship to graduate students working on related topics.

• PhD in Computer Science, Visualization, Cartography, Geographic Information Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in visualization, computer graphics, or perceptual evaluation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming (Python required).
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills to design, evaluate, and interpret complex visualization and symbology behaviors.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities, including writing for academic and technical publication, engaging with interdisciplinary teams, and interacting with external partners and standards bodies.
• Self-management, adaptability, and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple research activities, and learn emerging tools, methods, and standards.

• Experience with cartography, GIS, or geospatial data processing.
• Familiarity with color spaces and perceptual metrics (e.g., CIELAB, ΔE-based measures) or a strong willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with maritime navigation systems, ENC/ECDIS concepts, or S-100 standards.
• Experience with user studies, perceptual experiments, or human-factors evaluation.
• Interest in applied research that bridges theory, standards development, and operational use.

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My

Experience:

Resume/CV section of the application:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

$62,000 to $67,000/year

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing…