We are often looking for talented undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral scholars interested in some combination of hydrology, geomorphology, ecosystem science, rivers, lakes, estuaries, water quality, remote sensing, and/or data science. If you are considering joining the lab, please read our Lab Mission and Values Statement and contact John Gardner about current or future opportunities.
Current Opportunities
Postdoctoral position in global hydrology/remote sensing
We are seeking applicants for a postdoctoral researcher broadly interested in global river hydrology, sediment flux, optical satellite remote sensing, and making open-source data products.
The overall goal of this NASA-funded, multi-institutional (NASA JPL, University of Massachusetts, University of North Carolina, Ohio State University) project is to operationalize and combine the Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) global river discharge product with a global river suspended sediment concentration (SSC) product derived from the harmonized Landsat/Senintel-2 under development by the Gardner Lab. This position will work closely with the SWOT hydrology team, NASA JPL computer scientists, and computer vision researchers. Major tasks include: (1) transition current workflow for global SSC observations (built in GEE and machine learning in R/python) from Landsat 5/7/8 to harmonized Landsat 8/Sentinel-2, (2) guide NASA computer scientists to operationalize workflows, and (3) pursue science questions of your interest (in earth science, hydrology, remote sensing etc.) using global observations of SSC for peer-reviewed publications.
Position Details: The position is funded for two years with an annual salary starting at $57,000 with health/dental/vision coverage as well as access to other university benefits. Start date is flexible between September 2022 and February 2023 (but cannot be later).
Required Experience:
Research Analyst Position
The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory (PWC) is recruiting a full-time Research Analyst with the primary roles of building workflows for remote sensing image analysis and creating interactive data visualizations for stakeholders and public use. The main project will involve building databases of water quality on rivers and reservoirs in the Ohio River Basin using satellite imagery with a focus on algal blooms. Other projects may involve building visualizations to help stakeholders understand when and where algal blooms, why, as well as other data analysis and visualization projects on water resources in the region.
Position Details: The position is funded full-time for two years and housed within the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, primarily working with Dr. John Gardner and Dr. Emily Elliott’s groups as well as the PWC at large. The position could be extended with additional funding. The candidate will be a university employee with benefits of health/dental/vision coverage as well as optional access to other university benefits. Start date is flexible preferably between April and August of 2022.
Preferred Qualifications:
To apply: Please 1) submit a cover letter, and 2) full CV with contact information for 3 references to the online application at the Pitt Talent Center. (join.pitt.edu). The position will be open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a recommended deadline of March 31, 2022.
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Review of applicants and virtual interviews will occur on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled. We strongly encourage members under-represented groups in the geosciences apply. The Gardner Lab is committed to inclusive, diverse, and respectful work environment and supporting each other in achieving our goals. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. Women, members of minority groups under-represented in academia, veterans, and disabled are especially encouraged to apply.
Pittsburgh is a hub of academic research with strengths in technology and the arts with the University Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Carnegie Museums. Pittsburgh was recently named “American’s Most Livable City” by the Places Rated Almanac, boasts a low cost of living, stunning cityscape and parks, and is home to a number of world-class museums, a thriving arts and food scene. The city is also located within a short drive of the Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, and Allegheny Mountains.
Current Opportunities
- 1 Postdoctoral Researcher
- 1 Data Analyst
Postdoctoral position in global hydrology/remote sensing
We are seeking applicants for a postdoctoral researcher broadly interested in global river hydrology, sediment flux, optical satellite remote sensing, and making open-source data products.
The overall goal of this NASA-funded, multi-institutional (NASA JPL, University of Massachusetts, University of North Carolina, Ohio State University) project is to operationalize and combine the Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) global river discharge product with a global river suspended sediment concentration (SSC) product derived from the harmonized Landsat/Senintel-2 under development by the Gardner Lab. This position will work closely with the SWOT hydrology team, NASA JPL computer scientists, and computer vision researchers. Major tasks include: (1) transition current workflow for global SSC observations (built in GEE and machine learning in R/python) from Landsat 5/7/8 to harmonized Landsat 8/Sentinel-2, (2) guide NASA computer scientists to operationalize workflows, and (3) pursue science questions of your interest (in earth science, hydrology, remote sensing etc.) using global observations of SSC for peer-reviewed publications.
Position Details: The position is funded for two years with an annual salary starting at $57,000 with health/dental/vision coverage as well as access to other university benefits. Start date is flexible between September 2022 and February 2023 (but cannot be later).
Required Experience:
- PhD or MS in one of the following fields: hydrology, remote sensing, computer science, earth science, engineering, or related fields
- Satellite remote sensing
- Computer programming (e.g., python, JavaScript, R)
- Experience in machine learning and Google Earth Engine
- Commitment to open data and code practices
- Highly collaborative and excellent communications skills with a range technical and scientific expertise
- Brief cover letter describing your goals, experience, and interest in the position
- CV including contact information for 3 professional references
Research Analyst Position
The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory (PWC) is recruiting a full-time Research Analyst with the primary roles of building workflows for remote sensing image analysis and creating interactive data visualizations for stakeholders and public use. The main project will involve building databases of water quality on rivers and reservoirs in the Ohio River Basin using satellite imagery with a focus on algal blooms. Other projects may involve building visualizations to help stakeholders understand when and where algal blooms, why, as well as other data analysis and visualization projects on water resources in the region.
Position Details: The position is funded full-time for two years and housed within the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, primarily working with Dr. John Gardner and Dr. Emily Elliott’s groups as well as the PWC at large. The position could be extended with additional funding. The candidate will be a university employee with benefits of health/dental/vision coverage as well as optional access to other university benefits. Start date is flexible preferably between April and August of 2022.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with computer programming (e.g. python, R, javascript, etc.)
- Experience with satellite imagery and geospatial data
- Ability to work on multiple projects and work on a team
- BS, BA, (and/or MS) in one of the following fields: computer science, engineering, geography, physics, environmental science, or related fields (note: more important than the specific degree is having experience with programming, a strong interest in programming/remote sensing, and a strong interest in environmental applications)
To apply: Please 1) submit a cover letter, and 2) full CV with contact information for 3 references to the online application at the Pitt Talent Center. (join.pitt.edu). The position will be open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a recommended deadline of March 31, 2022.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review of applicants and virtual interviews will occur on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled. We strongly encourage members under-represented groups in the geosciences apply. The Gardner Lab is committed to inclusive, diverse, and respectful work environment and supporting each other in achieving our goals. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. Women, members of minority groups under-represented in academia, veterans, and disabled are especially encouraged to apply.
Pittsburgh is a hub of academic research with strengths in technology and the arts with the University Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Carnegie Museums. Pittsburgh was recently named “American’s Most Livable City” by the Places Rated Almanac, boasts a low cost of living, stunning cityscape and parks, and is home to a number of world-class museums, a thriving arts and food scene. The city is also located within a short drive of the Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, and Allegheny Mountains.
