Job Title
Senior Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Temple
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Temple, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
The Senior Research Associate will lead the acquisition, processing, and analysis of high-resolution agricultural data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced sensing technologies. This role supports ongoing cotton research in two key areas: (1) high-throughput phenotyping to improve varietal performance under heat and water stress, and (2) in-season crop monitoring to inform and optimize management decisions.
Responsibilities
Collect multispectral and hyperspectral imagery using UAV for vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, etc.), chlorophyll, canopy structure, soil variability, and water stress analysis.
Process raw imagery using photogrammetry and GIS software to generate orthomosaics and vegetation maps.
Manage geospatial data and integrate UAV and other sensor-derived datasets with ground-based observations and crop models.
Work with crop modelers and data scientists to integrate UAV-based analytics into precision agriculture workflows.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or related field. Four years of experience in agricultural remote sensing and UAV flight operations. Or, a master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or a related field. Two years of experience in agricultural remote sensing and UAV flight operations.
Proficiency with photogrammetry and GIS software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, ArcGIS, QGIS).
Strong data analysis skills using Python, R, or similar analytical tools.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with multispectral and thermal imagery applications in crop monitoring.
Knowledge of agricultural management practices, crop phenology, and environmental monitoring.
Other Requirements:
Fieldwork under varying weather conditions.
Travel to research sites or grower fields.
Manual handling of moderate-weight UAV equipment (up to ~25 lbs.).
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
Applicant Instructions
Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
Required Documents
CV/ Resume
Cover letter
List of references
Copy of degree or transcript showing degree conferred
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Lab & Research (2)