CHEManager International · 6 days ago
Research Specialist IV
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expTexas A&M University is committed to a comprehensive research environment, and they are seeking a Research Specialist IV to support the Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center. This role involves field data collection, data processing and analysis, technical documentation, and project management to enhance disaster resilience decision-making across Texas.
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
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
CHEManager International
Wiley’s leading media brand providing first-hand information on the global chemical, life science and process industries
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase