Job Description:

Job no: 916182

Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff

Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Social Science

Department: Geography Environment Spatial Sciences 10038366

Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff

Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional, Information Technology, Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Faculty, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union
Working/Functional Title

Director of RS&GIS Research and Outreach Services

Position Summary

The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Director for the Remote Sensing & GIS Research and Outreach Services (RS&GIS) program. The successful candidate is expected to:

1) guide RS&GIS's operations and provide strategic vision,

2) pursue grants and contracts to support RS&GIS,

3) conduct basic and/or applied research at the forefront of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) to solve problems from local to global scales,

4) teach one class per year within the Department, and

5) complete a variety of administrative tasks necessary for running a soft money research and outreach unit.

Primary responsibilities include managing RS&GIS staff and obtaining external grant funding and conducting research that utilizes the skillset of existing staff employed by RS&GIS and the Department. The Director will also serve as the principal investigator for the program's outreach opportunities, and both pursue their own research interests, as well as integrate geospatial technologies into research initiatives through interdisciplinary collaboration within the Department and across campus. To assist with this, the Director will have access to a successful, innovative, collaborative team of analysts, developers, and talented and ambitious Department faculty.

To ensure success, the candidate must have a strong grasp of geospatial technologies and a demonstrated ability to solve real-world problems using innovative techniques within a team environment. Postdoctoral experience is expected as well as capacities in, but not limited to, spatial data analysis, data analytics, data automation, remote sensing, image processing, location intelligence, software development, 3D modeling, GPS, spatial statistics and unmanned systems.

Background: Remote Sensing and GIS Research and Outreach Services (RS&GIS) provides geospatial technology services and training to Michigan State University units, state/federal governments, municipalities, not-for-profits, and the private sector. Comprised of a diverse professional staff, RS&GIS maintains expertise in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Application Development, Cartography and Graphic Design. The RS&GIS drone program, which has been operating since 2013 and routinely collects and processes data from over a hundred missions per year, boasts 4 certified remote pilots, three of which are certified GIS professionals. Housed in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, RS&GIS is in a unique position to access the University's technical, innovative, and human resources, while maintaining a competitive research and service-oriented mission.

Educational requirements include a Ph.D. in Geography or a Ph.D. in another field with a strong focus on utilizing geospatial technologies as the primary analysis technique.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Geography or Geospatial Technologies

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in Geography or a related field, including other degrees with a strong geographic emphasis; Experience using geospatial tools and technology, including GIS, remote sensing, cartography, GPS, spatial analysis, and programming; Strong interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills, including proficiency with the English language. These are required as the candidate will need to communicate (in writing and orally) effectively across media platforms, and venues; will be expected to teach one class per year within the Department.

Desired Qualifications

Research experience with and interests in geospatial technologies. Familiarity with applying geospatial tools in agriculture, environmental/natural resource management, archaeology, business, engineering, geodesign, etcetera. An interest in pedagogy, especially online; broad knowledge of best teaching practices and familiarity with basic learning-design principles. An interest in exploring and using new technologies to enhance research initiatives across disciplines. Experience managing multiple employees. Familiarity with commercial geospatial software programs, such as Esri ArcGIS Pro. The ideal candidate would be entrepreneurial, highly self-motivated, have excellent organizational and project management skills, be able to articulate big-picture perspectives, and be excited about developing and working toward the program's vision and mission with proven success in gaining external funding.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter

CV/Resume/Vision

Mission Statement

Names and contact information for three references

Research Interest and description

Writing Sample

Special Instructions

Review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter describing qualifications and interest in the position, a curriculum vita, a philosophy (vision/mission) statement, a statement of research interests and history of grant funding, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three (3) references. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Shortridge at ashton@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

02/01/2024

Website

https://rsgis.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Dec 11, 2023 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Dec 11, 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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