Lead Remote Sensing Scientist, Agricultural Technology

Our client, an innovative AgTech company dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices, is seeking a Lead Remote Sensing Scientist to join their fully remote research and development team. This pivotal role will focus on developing and applying cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to monitor crop health, optimize resource management, and enhance agricultural yields. You will be responsible for acquiring, processing, and analyzing satellite, aerial, and drone-based imagery, integrating it with other data sources to create actionable insights for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, image processing, and a passion for applying these skills to the agricultural domain. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to contribute from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the research, development, and implementation of remote sensing algorithms and methodologies for agricultural applications.
• Acquire, pre-process, and analyze multi-spectral, hyperspectral, and thermal imagery from various platforms (satellites, drones, aircraft).
• Develop and validate vegetation indices, crop health indicators, and yield prediction models.
• Integrate remote sensing data with other geospatial and ground-truth data sources.
• Utilize advanced image processing techniques and machine learning algorithms for data analysis.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data scientists, and software engineers to develop innovative AgTech solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations on research findings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in remote sensing technology, AI, and agricultural science.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific vision of the team.
• Contribute to the design and calibration of new sensing instruments or data acquisition strategies.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in remote sensing data acquisition, processing, and analysis, with a focus on agriculture.
• Strong expertise in image processing software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS Pro) and GIS principles.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and automation.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) applied to geospatial data.
• Solid understanding of plant physiology, soil science, and agricultural practices is highly desirable.
• Experience with cloud-based geospatial processing platforms (e.g., Google Earth Engine, Microsoft Planetary Computer) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

This is a unique opportunity for a talented remote sensing scientist to drive innovation in agricultural technology from a remote location.