Satellite Interpretation Researcher

Reporting to the Director, Forests Team, you will integrate equity into your work. You will work with a research team of more than 20 experts in GIS and remote sensing to develop monitoring data and applications that support a variety of use cases focused on restoration tracking and conservation at different scales. You will focus on building the most accurate, comprehensive and useful maps possible by combining your global domain expertise in geography and remote sensing with experimental technologies such as foundation models for Earth Observation. You will be supported by and work closely with others on our multi-disciplinary research team.

What will you do: 

Research and Analysis:

• Develop data analysis chains and data storage strategies to ensure Landsat and/or Sentinel data can be stored, manipulated and analyzed in the cloud on global scale in cooperation with WRI’s Data Lab and partner organizations such as University of Maryland and OpenGeoHub
• Work with the Restoration (GRI) team to improve and/or develop project restoration monitoring from satellite and other data
• Develop high quality annual time series data useful to track restoration and conservation on different scales from project to landscape to national and beyond
• Perform accuracy assessments and validation on various map products using established good practice methods including by sampling and visual interpreting Landsat and/or other higher resolution satellite data
• Work with University of Maryland researchers where needed
• Develop with colleagues new computing capabilities for remote sensing and image processing that combine pixel extraction and feature extraction to advance tree detection and tree height change
• Support colleagues in conducting original geospatial research, including quantitative geospatial analysis
• Support production of written and graphic content for peer-reviewed research publications, internal briefs, blogs, presentations, press releases, etc
• Support editing, peer review, and production process to publish research and communication outputs
• Present research results at internal and external meetings, conferences and workshops

Program Development and Administration:

• Carry out training and capacity building. Work with countries or stakeholder groups to explain and present the data we are developing
• Contribute to concept notes, funding proposals, and donor reports

 What will you need:

Education:

• You have completed a master’s degree (or higher) in Remote-Sensing, Geography, or related area. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted

Experience:

• You have minimum of 12 years of relevant full-time work experience
• Knowledge of remote sensing, photo interpretation, and earth observation technologies and methods, statistics and spatial statistics, sampling design
• Experience working with cross-functional and heavily matrixed teams
• Brings a collaborative attitude to achieving research outcomes, comfortable with leading and participating in constructive discussions with internal and external research partners
• Excellent quantitative research and writing skills
• Proficient in building, applying and testing machine learning models using Earth Observation imagery
• Experience with Google Earth Engine, Python, C++ and other coding languages

Languages:

• Verbal and written English proficiency. Others would be advantageous

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• For US location: Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

Source: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/oXMfvfwd