Senior Research Associate

Job Title
:
Senior Research Associate

Agency
:
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department
:
Temple

Proposed Minimum Salary
:
Commensurate

Job Location
:
Temple, Texas

Job Type
:
Staff

Texas A&M Agri Life is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service
• Texas A&M Agri Life Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of Agri Life and make a difference in the world!

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to work in a joint research project at Texas A&M Agri Life, Temple, TX and USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ. The associate will lead the collection, processing, and analysis of agricultural data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related sensing technologies. This position supports research aimed at enhancing in-season cotton monitoring, resource management, and decision-making through the use of high-resolution aerial imagery and data analytics.

• Collect aerial imagery using UAV for vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, etc.), canopy structure, soil variability, and water stress analysis.
• Process raw imagery using photogrammetry and GIS software to generate orthomosaics and vegetation maps.
• Manage geospatial data and integrate UAV and other sensor-derived datasets with ground-based observations and crop models to enhance data-driven insights.
• Work with crop modelers and data scientists to integrate UAV-based analytics into precision agriculture workflows.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or related field and four years of related professional experience. Or, Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or related field and two years of related professional experience.
• Proven experience in agricultural remote sensing and UAV flight operations.
• Proficiency with photogrammetry and GIS software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Strong data analysis skills using Python, R, or similar analytical tools.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Experience with multispectral and thermal imagery applications in crop monitoring.
• Knowledge of agricultural management practices, crop phenology, and environmental monitoring.

• Fieldwork under varying weather conditions.
• Travel to research sites or grower fields.
• Manual handling of UAV equipment (light to medium weight objects up to ~25 lbs.).
• The incumbent will be assigned to work full-time at the USDA-ARS station in Maricopa, AZ.

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Required Documents: CV/resume, cover letter, and list of references are required. Failure to provide all required documents could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

When you choose to work for Texas A&M Agri Life, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M Agri Life offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M Agri Life contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M Agri Life

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries: Research Services