The Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) is hiring a Research Specialist IV for its Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center (DDRC). You will develop and deliver advanced data-reconnaissance products to strengthen disaster resilience decision-making across Texas. This involves executing field campaigns, analyzing complex datasets, and producing actionable geospatial intelligence.
What You'll Do
- Conduct field data collection using UAS, RTK systems, GPS/GNSS, and environmental sensors.
- Plan and execute data-collection missions, ensuring compliance with all safety requirements.
- Operate and calibrate aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic sensing systems.
- Process multispectral, thermal, hyperspectral, and LiDAR data to generate products like digital elevation models and orthomosaics.
- Develop technical workflows, mission documentation, and operational guides.
- Support rapid-response activations and collaborate with partner agencies for situational awareness.
- Manage project logistics, including scheduling, equipment, and resource allocation.
- Assist with grant-funded research deliverables and technical milestones.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings to translate technical capabilities into applied resilience strategies.
- Contribute to developing data standards, best practices, and new products.
- Provide internal leadership and collaborate across teams.
- Assist in preparing technical reports, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Produce graphics, data visualizations, and geospatial figures to communicate results.
- Support drafting methods sections and operational appendices.
- Conduct literature reviews and integrate findings.
- Train students and technical staff involved in research.
- Develop and maintain training materials for external users.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in a 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) for small UAS.
- Strong understanding of GIS, remote sensing, UAS operations, and environmental sensing technologies.
- Ability to interpret and process complex datasets to create 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 for briefing stakeholders, preparing presentations, and training personnel.
- Strong organizational skills to manage equipment, logistics, and multi-modal data workflows.
- Ability to adhere to safety requirements, regulatory guidance, and data-security protocols.
Nice to Have
- Experience with multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, or hyperspectral remote-sensing systems.
- Proficiency in geospatial analysis platforms like ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, or AutoDesk ReCAP.
- Experience developing technical documentation or standard operating procedures.
- Background supporting interagency operations, emergency response, or mission-critical data environments.
- Proficiency in data visualization, environmental monitoring, or AI-assisted analytic workflows.
- Prior experience training audiences or managing data-collection teams.
- Familiarity with satellite remote sensing (EO/SAR) and data-fusion practices.
Technical Stack
- GIS, Remote Sensing
- UAS, GPS/GNSS, RTK Systems
- Environmental Sensing Technologies
- Multispectral, Thermal, Hyperspectral, and LiDAR Sensors
- ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, AutoDesk ReCAP
- Satellite Remote Sensing (EO/SAR)
Team & Environment
You will be part of the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) and its Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center (DDRC).
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: Commensurate with experience
- 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.
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
- Free exercise programs and release time.
- Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support for conferences and workshops.
- Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for degree completion.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position based in Houston, Texas.
Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to a culture of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.
