Earth Observation Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Earth Observation Scientist to join our dynamic team and expand our expertise and skillset to improve our coverage across existing thematic areas and to open new avenues to explore and technologies to develop. You will play a vital role in utilizing remote sensing data to support various projects and research initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with a strong scientific or technical background, a passion for remote sensing and earth observation, and a desire to contribute to environmental research and technological innovation. Recent reorganization within the ACRI Group, based at Sophia-Antipolis in the South of France, has created a novel opportunity to join a successful, established company that still has the ethos and excitement of a start-up. We operate under Agile Lean management with an ISO9001 Quality Management System supporting continual improvement and personal empowerment. We are looking for a fast starter with a steady pace and a quick sprint seeking a journey, rather than a destination.

Role

We are seeking applicants to fulfill one of several roles in the company:

• Senior scientists with an interest in applications of earth observation remote sensing
• Experienced EO scientists to lead, mentor and contribute to projects and R&D activities
• Early career scientists to perform data analysis, software development and research

The role an applicant will be considered for depends on qualifications, skills, and experience. We are unable to offer positions to newly graduated applicants currently. We are looking for people who have prior experience to satisfy our client’s requirements – you will get thrown in the deep end!

Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret Earth Observation data, including remote sensing satellite imagery (ESA/EU Copernicus Sentinel, NASA/NOAA Landsat and MODIS), geospatial, biogeographical and climatological data, and more specialist data such as LiDAR, aerial photography and echo soundings.
• Assist in the design and development of Earth Observation data processing techniques and algorithms, by providing scientific analysis and creative problem solving.
• Collaborate with colleagues and senior staff to support ongoing projects, adopting a dynamic adaptive approach enabling flexible resource switching.
• Conduct self-directed research and data analysis to investigate and address environmental and geospatial challenges from various thematic domains, including marine and terrestrial ecosystems, coastal processes, agriculture, urban environments, and climate change.
• Contribute to the software development of data processors, geospatial models, and tools for data visualization and analysis, mainly in Python.
• Maintain and improve knowledge and skills on the latest advancements in Earth Observation technology and methodologies.
• Provide technical and graphical content to prepare deliverable documentation, reports, and presentations, related to research findings and projects, and proposals in response to tenders.
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary, international and non-collocated teams and consortia to ensure project goals are met.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A higher degree in an Earth Science, or a related field, ideally with a strong remote sensing component.
• 3 years of postgraduate experience using remote sensing principles and working with Earth Observation data.
• Familiarity with GIS software (especially QGIS) and accessing Copernicus remote sensing data.
• Competent Python coder, with knowledge of image and data analysis libraries.
• Familiarity with Linux and the CLI (command line interface).
• Can employ strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy and scientific provenance.
• Competent at critically reading and writing technical/scientific literature.
• Familiar with data visualization and producing publication quality graphical content.
• A life-long learner eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and techniques.
• Is a team player. ARGANS is small and lean. To be agile we need flexibility and communication.