Texas A&M AgriLife Research is hiring a Senior Research Associate to lead agricultural research using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and sensing technologies. You will support projects aimed at improving in-season cotton monitoring and resource management through high-resolution data analytics.
What You'll Do
- Collect aerial imagery using UAVs for vegetation indices, canopy structure, soil variability, and water stress analysis.
- Process raw imagery using photogrammetry and GIS software to generate orthomosaics and vegetation maps.
- Manage geospatial data and integrate UAV and other sensor-derived datasets with ground-based observations and crop models.
- Work with crop modelers and data scientists to integrate UAV-based analytics into precision agriculture workflows.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
- A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or a related field and four years of related professional experience.
- Or, a Master's degree in a related field and two years of related professional experience.
- Proven experience in agricultural remote sensing and UAV flight operations.
- Proficiency with photogrammetry and GIS software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, ArcGIS, QGIS).
- Strong data analysis skills using Python, R, or similar analytical tools.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Nice to Have
- Experience with multispectral and thermal imagery applications in crop monitoring.
- Knowledge of agricultural management practices, crop phenology, and environmental monitoring.
Technical Stack
- Pix4D
- Agisoft Metashape
- ArcGIS
- QGIS
- Python
- R
Team & Environment
Work in a joint research project at Texas A&M AgriLife, Temple, TX and USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ.
Benefits & Compensation
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife 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.
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position with work locations in Temple, Texas and Maricopa, Arizona.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by its procedures. Texas A&M AgriLife Research is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
