AI Remote Sensing
Prairie Research Institute

(Extended through 04/16/ 2023)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Prairie Research Institute is seeking to hire either an Assistant (lower) level (Official Title: Assistant Research Scientist, AI Remote Sensing 1014958) or an Associate (higher) level (Official Title: Associate Research Scientist, AI Remote Sensing 1014529) to conduct research and program-building activities of ISWS by planning, directing, conducting and seeking external funding for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in remote sensing in the Climate & Atmospheric Sciences Section of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).

ISWS is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/

Assistant (lower) level job duties and responsibilities:

• Seek external funding to support and lead a research group developing and utilizing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning techniques utilizing remote sensing data for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications
• Conduct and provide leadership in research leading to publications in the peer-reviewed scholarly literature, reports, etc.
• Collaborate with, or advise, scientists in the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and University of Illinois on use of AI/ML techniques and/or remote sensing
• Work with scientific administration staff (e.g., Section Head, ISWS Director, PRI Director) in development of material for reports, presentations, web pages, etc.
• Conducting and aid in developing outreach materials related to this discipline to decision makers and citizens of Illinois and others utilizing or seeking to utilize AI or remote sensing information.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline

Assistant (lower) level qualifications:

Required: At the time of the appointment, applicants should hold a PhD degree with interest and expertise in AI/ML techniques or remote sensing in Atmospheric/Climatic Sciences, land-atmosphere interactions, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, or related field. Alternate degrees or degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the candidate’s experience at it relates to this position.

A minimum of three years (including those related to educational activities) developing or utilizing AI/ML techniques for environmental, geographic or geo-physical sciences research purposes leading to publication of at least one article in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Valid Driver’s License

Preferred: PhD focused on development and utilization of AI/ML techniques utilizing remote sensing for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications.

A minimum of five years (two of which are after completing PhD requirements) developing or utilizing AI/ML techniques and/or hybrid AI-traditional techniques applied to remote sensing for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications resulting in three or more publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Knowledge & Skills:

Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

ASSOCIATE (higher) level job duties and responsibilities:

• Seek external funding to support and lead a research group developing and utilizing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning techniques utilizing remote sensing data for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications
• Conduct and provide leadership in research leading to publications in the peer-reviewed scholarly literature, reports, etc.
• Collaborate with, or advise, scientists in the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and University of Illinois on use of AI/ML techniques and/or remote sensing
• Work with scientific administration staff (e.g., Section Head, ISWS Director, PRI Director) in development of material for reports, presentations, web pages, etc.
• Conducting and aid in developing outreach materials related to this discipline to decision makers and citizens of Illinois and others utilizing or seeking to utilize AI or remote sensing information.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline

ASSOCIATE (higher) level qualifications:

Required: PhD degree with interest and expertise in AI/ML techniques or remote sensing in Atmospheric/Climatic Sciences, land-atmosphere interactions, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, or related field. Alternate degrees or degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the candidate’s experience at it relates to this position.

A minimum of five years (including those related to educational activities) developing or utilizing AI/ML techniques for environmental, geographic or geo-physical sciences research purposes leading to publication of at least one article in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Valid Drivers License

Preferred: PhD focused on development and utilization of AI/ML techniques utilizing remote sensing for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications.

A minimum of seven years (five of which are after completing PhD requirements) developing or utilizing AI/ML techniques and/or hybrid AI-traditional techniques applied to remote sensing for atmosphere or land-atmosphere related applications resulting in three or more publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Knowledge & Skills:

Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 16, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner jcf@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1014958
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu