Machine Learning Data Scientist

Job Description

The Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER) Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on enabling and conducting research in Earth and space science, is seeking a data scientist for the NASA Ames Earth Science Division with experience in the areas of remote sensing and advanced data analytics including machine learning. The scientist will participate in developing remote-sensing-based landscape change monitoring products and associated processing pipelines. The landscape change monitoring products relevant to this hire include (a) individual tree mapping and (b) built structure mapping products.

The position will work with the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX; https://nasa.gov/nex) at NASA Ames Research Center. NEX combines state-of-the-art supercomputing, Earth system modeling, and NASA remote sensing data feeds to deliver a work environment for exploring and analyzing terabyte- to petabyte-scale datasets covering large regions.

The positions are located at NASA’s Ames Research Center (ARC), Moffett Field, CA, and are initially for 2 years and 9 months with the possibility of extension. Telework and remote work may be available and must comport with the position requirements. Expected start date is spring 2024.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop landscape change monitoring products;
• Work with the project team on data collection, algorithm development and evaluation, processing pipeline development and delivery;
• Prepare project progress and final reports, and present them to partners;
• Develop documentation and training materials to allow team members and partners to successfully operate the data processing pipeline;
• Prepare and submit research manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals;
• Present research findings at conferences and public forums;
• Assist in the development of grant proposals for project sustainability;
• Contribute to the research community in Ames Earth Science division and beyond;
  
  

Minimum/ Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or Master’s Degree with more than 3-years of experience in this field) in computer science, remote sensing, environmental science, or a relevant multidisciplinary degree with experience in image processing and feature recognition;
• Strong programming skills in a scientific language (e.g., Python, Matlab, R) and experience in statistical analysis. Experience on deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Keras or TensorFlow is highly desired;
• Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating research;
• Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific publications for submission to peer-­reviewed journals;
• Experience developing and maintaining appropriate documentation and training materials to allow team members and customers of various backgrounds and disciplines to successfully operate;
• Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a research team;
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research with machine learning, image processing, feature extraction (e.g., tree detection, building detection);
• Knowledge and experience with advanced machine learning and its applications;
• Lead‐author on publications for machine learning applications to tackle preset problems;
• Familiarity with handling large and various data types including optical satellite and airborne data;
• Familiarity with high performance computing (HPC) environments;
• Experience of GPU programming is helpful;
• Experience with git is a plus;
  
  

To be considered for this position

• Please submit a cover letter (usually one to two pages) to ‘werc_hire@baeri.org’ with subject line “NEX-WERC Cluster 2: your name” stating the applicant's interest in the project, prior research experience and/or projects of particular relevance, areas of interest, key competencies, and anticipated date of availability. Include also a full CV and the names of three references. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. Review of applications will begin on January 15th, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
  
  

Company Description

ABOUT BAY AREA ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER) Institute is a growing, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and conducting research in science, particularly atmospheric and space science. Since its establishment in 1993, BAER has become well recognized nationally for its significant contributions to various fields of scientific research. BAER’s clientele include various federal government agencies, and BAER has had a long-standing collaborative relationship with NASA. The Institute’s research and program leadership activities with NASA include work with both the Earth Science and Space Science Divisions at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View. BAER has developed and maintained an outstanding reputation for its project management, financial reporting, and program and partnership development capabilities as well as for its resourcefulness in providing expert scientists, researchers, and support staff for mission-critical Agency projects.

ABOUT BAY AREA ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER) Institute is a growing, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and conducting research in science, particularly atmospheric and space science. Since its establishment in 1993, BAER has become well recognized nationally for its significant contributions to various fields of scientific research. BAER’s clientele include various federal government agencies, and BAER has had a long-standing collaborative relationship with NASA. The Institute’s research and program leadership activities with NASA include work with both the Earth Science and Space Science Divisions at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View. BAER has developed and maintained an outstanding reputation for its project management, financial reporting, and program and partnership development capabilities as well as for its resourcefulness in providing expert scientists, researchers, and support staff for mission-critical Agency projects.