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Texas A&M University · 19 hours ago

Research Specialist IV

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

10+ years exp

Texas A&M University is a prestigious institution committed to enriching the learning and working environment. The Research Specialist IV will support the Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center in developing advanced data-reconnaissance products that enhance disaster resilience decision-making across Texas, involving field data collection and analysis.

Higher Education

Growth Opportunities

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Conducts field data collection campaigns using UAS, RTK systems, GPS/GNSS, ground-based sensors, and environmental instrumentation. Plans, coordinates, and executes data-collection missions, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and institutional safety requirements. Performs sensor deployment, calibration, flight operations, and data-quality assurance for aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic platforms. Processes and analyzes multispectral, thermal, hyperspectral, and Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) datasets to generate products such as digital elevation models, orthomosaics, inundation assessments, and environmental indicators. Develops technical workflows, mission documentation, and operational guides to improve the efficiency of recurrent reconnaissance campaigns. Supports rapid-response activations and collaborates with partner agencies, integrating multi-source data for situational awareness products

Supports project management activities including scheduling, equipment logistics, resource allocation, and operational coordination. Assists with grant-funded research deliverables and ensures timely completion of technical milestones. Participates in stakeholder meetings with state, federal, and regional partners to translate capabilities into applied resilience strategies. Contributes to the development of data standards, operational best practices, and emerging products and services. Provides internal leadership through cross-team collaboration, drawing on experience managing multi-agency, high-tempo operations

Assists project teams with preparing technical reports, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications. Produces graphics, data visualizations, and geospatial figures to communicate results clearly to audiences. Supports the drafting of methods sections, workflow descriptions, and operational appendices using best practices in geospatial intelligence, remote sensing, and environmental data analysis. Conducts literature reviews and integrates findings into research outputs

Trains undergraduate and/or graduate students and other technical or field staff involved in research. Develops and maintains training materials for external users

Qualification

GISRemote sensingUAS operationsData processingFAA remote pilot licenseGeospatial analysisTechnical documentationSafety complianceClear communicationOrganizational skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Ten years of related experience in a specialized and relevant field of research

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot license (part 107), small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Strong understanding of GIS, remote sensing, UAS operations, and environmental sensing technologies

Ability to interpret and process complex datasets to create meaningful decision-support products

Skill in writing technical documentation, mission summaries, and operational guides

Ability to work independently in the field under variable terrain and weather conditions

Clear communication skills, including the ability to brief stakeholders, prepare technical presentations, and train personnel

Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage equipment, field logistics, and multi-modal data workflows

Ability to adhere to safety requirements, regulatory guidance, and data-security protocols

Preferred

Experience with multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, or hyperspectral remote-sensing systems

Demonstrated proficiency in geospatial analysis platforms (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, AutoDesk ReCAP)

Experience developing technical documentation, standard operating procedures, or workflow guides

Experience supporting interagency operations, emergency response, or mission-critical data environments

Proficiency in data visualization, environmental monitoring, or artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted analytic workflows

Prior experience training audiences or managing data-collection teams

Familiarity with satellite remote sensing (electro-optical (EO)/satellite aperture radar (SAR)) and data-fusion practices

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M 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

Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Company

Texas A&M University

Glassdoor4.4

Texas A&M University has a proud history that stretches back to 1876 when The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas became the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas.

Founded in 1876

College Station, TX, US

10001+ employees

https://tamu.edu

H1B Sponsorship

Texas A&M University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

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Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (322)

2024 (292)

2023 (214)

2022 (207)

2021 (109)

2020 (141)