"Research Technician"

Job Details

Department: Earth Marine Environmt Sci - 318000

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 08/04/2025

Application Deadline: 08/13/2025

Position Type: Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Research Technician

Position Number: 20072070

Vacancy ID: S025904

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $25.00/per hour

Proposed Start Date: 09/01/2025

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 6 months not to exceed 11 months

The Pavelsky lab is seeking a research technician with expertise in analysis of radar satellite imagery and other related datasets to conduct scientific analysis related to ghost forest formation in the Eastern United States as part of a NASA-funded project.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges.

Position Summary: This position will involve substantial analysis of remotely sensed imagery, including data from the Sentinel 1 satellites, as well information on land cover, hydrography, and flow control structures. The successful candidate will use Sentinel 1 data to produce validated measurements of inundation frequency in coastal forests and will combine those data with ancillary datasets to provide projections of where flow control structures might help to mitigate saltwater intrusion along channels. It will involve writing code to analyze data; writing scientific papers; and presenting research at national and international meetings.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Must have ability to program fluently in at least one common scientific programming language such as Python, R, Javascript, or Matlab. Must have experience in analyzing remotely sensed imagery or other large geospatial datasets.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Experience working in high performance computing environments. Understanding of satellite radar imaging.

Be a Tar Heel!: A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.