Job TitleAssistant Research Scientist
AgencyTexas A&M University - Corpus Christi
DepartmentBlucher
Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate
Job LocationCorpus Christi, Texas
Job TypeStaff
Job DescriptionPURPOSEThe Assistant Research Scientist position, as part of the Measurement Analytics Lab (MANTIS) team at the Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI), will complement and expand research strengths of the lab and advance CBI's mission. This position will conduct research in support of project deliverables, conduct technical report writing, lead research as a primary investigator or co-investigator, provide supervision and mentorship of employees and student researchers, provide project management, and write proposals to secure external funding.
RESPONSIBILITIESConduct Research: 65%- Designs, performs, and analyzes remote sensing and geospatial data collection procedures and processing methodologies for various applications.
- Uses cutting-edge data analysis frameworks including from artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial computing, 3D reality capture, image and signal processing, to develop and implement effective and efficient processing tools and workflows.
- Conducts research and technical report writing in support of project deliverables.
- Conducts independent research and collaborative studies aligned with MANTIS and CBI's mission.
- Leads research as a primary investigator or co-investigator.
- Keeps detailed records of procedures and data.
- Keeps up-to-date on scientific research via reading of literature, etc.
- Attends scientific meetings and seminars for research enhancement.
- Prepares data for publication and presentation.
- Participates in lab and institute meetings and events.
- Contributes to strategic planning and vision with the lab directorship and institute leadership.
Laboratory and Employee Oversight: 20%- Provides project management and deliverable oversight.
- Supervises employees and student researchers.
- Mentors employees and student researchers on analyzing data and preparing results.
Research Development & Principal Investigation: 10%- Develops an understanding of MANTIS and CBI research capabilities in geomatics engineering, geospatial science, remote sensing, AI, and related disciplines.
- Identifies funding opportunities and initiates discussions with colleagues regarding proposal development and submission.
- Identifies emerging areas of research aligned with the scope of MANTIS and CBI's mission.
- Works within the pre-award process for proposal development and submittal with CBI's Assistant Director of Research Administration and Texas A&M University Sponsored Research Services
- Responsible for securing and managing sponsored projects.
- Participate in planning, directing, and coordinating with the administrative staff on preparations of sponsored project budgets.
- Commit sponsored project funds in accordance with the approved budget and within applicable guidelines.
- Oversee and approve schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving deliverables and ensures stakeholder expectations are met.
- Plan, organize, and direct decisions on software and computing equipment to serve the projects.
- Prepare project deliverables as required by sponsored agreements for submission to stakeholders and sponsors and resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Oversee the onboarding of new sponsors and direct the deployment of research.
Communication & Collaboration: 5%- Effectively communicates with colleagues and sponsors to understand project requirements, timelines, and expectations.
- Maintains open and clear communication channels, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and requests.
- Conduct, represent, and attend meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS- Doctoral degree in Geospatial Computer Science, Geomatics Engineering, Geospatial Sciences, or related field.
- ABD with Ph.D. conferred within six months of hire may be substituted for education requirement.
- Record of publications and presentations in the field.
- Proficiency with geodetic software, reality capture software, GNSS processing tools, and geospatial data management systems.
- Demonstrated success organizing, analyzing, and interpreting complex scientific or technical data, including the ability to translate difficult technical information into language suitable for target audience(s).
- Detailed and deadline oriented.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES- Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, professional organizations, and industry partners.
- Excellent project management and organization skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- High level of articulation and professionalism.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Critical thinking and proactive problem solving.
- Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance.
- Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.
- Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
- Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload and competing deadlines.
- Genuine care for workplace wellbeing, including tangible conditions and unseen contributions that enable efficient and effective teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Demonstrated experience working, in a research environment, at an institution of higher education.
- Experience in supervising employees and/or mentoring students.
- Experience in technical report writing, editing, and deliverable development, particularly for Departments of Transportation (DOTs).
- Experience in research needs for state DOTs related to geospatial data, digital delivery, and digital twins
- Experience in research development and supporting competitive proposals to federal, state, or industry sponsors.
- Experience in LiDAR, photogrammetry, geospatial AI, and a strong knowledge of geomatics.
SALARY: Up to $6,833.34 Monthly ($82,000.08 Annual, Approximately)NOTE: - This is a grant funded position for up to three (3) years. Continued employment contingent upon available funding.
- Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply) INSURANCE:- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAMON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIESWork Life Solutions:- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits:- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement:- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time Off:- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
