Remote Sensing Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Aug 18, 2025
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences and Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech seeks an experienced Remote Sensing Research Scientist to run the Bruce Murray Laboratory for Planetary Visualization. The Murray Lab supports the use of remote sensing in teaching and research in Earth and Planetary Science. It produces and curates data sets and image processing tools to bring geospatial and three dimensional information essential for geosciences into the hands of students and researchers. Essential Job Duties Work with multiple faculty from various disciplines in Earth and Planetary Science to facilitate the use of remote sensing data (e.g., optical, radar from satellite or UAVs) for teaching and research. Manage and develop software to process remote sensing images (radiometry, photogrammetry). Manage hardware for processing and visualization in 3D. Independently develop methods and work with faculty, students, and academic and industry partners to successfully complete projects. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications MS or PhD in remote sensing, computer science, or related discipline. Demonstrated experience in advanced image and point-cloud processing: 3D photogrammetry, co-registration and orthorectification, sub-pixel change detection,topographic analyses, and data visualization. Application of latest developments and algorithms from computer vision and machine learning to spatial data analyses in geosciences. Experience working with satellite, aerial, and drone-based datasets such as multi-band vis/near-lR images, stereo data, LiDAR, RADAR, and spectroscopic datasets and their processing/correction. Familiarity with data wrangling and database management of multiple remote sensing data types, including planetary missions. Skilled coding in languages such as Python and/or C-languages; experience with industry remote sensing software packages such as ARC GIS and their application to basic mapping and environmental impact assessment. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to work with students in teaching advanced processing techniques. Ability to work with other campus entities or external groups on relevant issues external to Murray Lab (i.e. network speeds for data transfer, data sharing with off-campus facilities, interactive data analysis involving collaborations with researchers at off-campus facilities). Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Hiring Range $85,000 to $118,500 per year The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.