Position Information

Position Information

Present Position NumberFP332WRole Code TitleProf/Lecturer/12-Mth/Spon ProgPosition TitleGeospatial ScientistPosition Summary

The Global Research Institute is currently seeking a Geospatial Scientist to support and improve AidData’s ongoing efforts to design and implement cutting-edge international development research with geospatial data, methods, and tools. The successful candidate will have at least 3-5 years of research experience, with particular expertise in geospatial information systems (GIS) and remote sensing in developing country contexts. Experience working with high-performance computing environments and machine learning applications is strongly preferred. Experience engaging with policymakers, practitioners, and/or information technology specialists from the global development community is also preferred. Depending on qualifications, the successful applicant may hold an affiliate appointment as research faculty in an appropriate department and/or interdisciplinary program at William and Mary. This position is based in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Responsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:

•Designing and undertaking innovative, policy-oriented research on subnational aid distribution and impact, including research that supports existing AidData projects and programs and self- directed research

•Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of AidData faculty and staff on geospatial impact evaluations, with primary responsibilities for remote sensing measurement and geospatial data management, potentially including machine learning approaches for data production
•Overseeing collection of geographic data (geo-referencing) for international development activities, including technical leadership and management staff and research assistants
•Leading the expansion and ongoing development of AidData’s GeoQuery tool and backend infrastructure, with support from AidData and WM staff.
•Publishing articles, working papers, policy briefs, blogs and short commentaries that target the policy community, and engaging in AidData policy outreach activities and speaking engagements
•Working with AidData’s leadership team to seek funding and prepare grant proposals
•Supervising and providing mentorship to AidData staff and student research assistants

Required Qualifications

•An advanced degree in geography, GIS, statistics, or a related field
•Expertise in remote sensing, particularly satellite-based imagery and associated data products (such as those from the Landsat and Sentinel programs and private providers such as DigitalGlobe and Planet).
•3-5 years of relevant experience working for or with an academic institution, a bilateral or multilateral aid agency, non-governmental organization, or think tank
•Demonstrated proficiency and interest in ArcGIS (or QGIS or similar GIS tools), R Studio (or Stata or similar statistical programs), and Python (or similar languages)
•Experience working in a high-performance computing environment (cluster- and/or cloud-based)
•Ability to work collaboratively with social scientists, computer engineers, and program staff
•Strong commitment and understanding of AidData’s mission and goals
•Ability to work independently and collaboratively to support AidData projects, programs, or initiatives
•Demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality policy-relevant publications and products within tight deadlines and budgets;
•Excellent interpersonal skills and leadership qualities;
•Ability to collaborate effectively with inter-disciplinary teams, governments, multilateral institutions, and donors
•Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including the ability to present complex issues to non-specialist audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

•A doctoral degree in geography, GIS, statistics, or a related field
•A track record of publishing rigorous, peer-reviewed social science research in a reproducible manner (i.e. making data and statistical code publicly available to enable independent, third party replication)
•Experience working with georeferenced development investment and outcome data
•Familiarity with and interest in machine learning and network analysis
•Ability to integrate sample surveys involving human interviews, administrative data, and/or social media-based data with the aforementioned remotely sensed data to address real-world problems
•Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring data analysts

Advertised Pay RangeCommensurate with ExperienceDepartment3KM100 Global Research InstituteLocationWilliam & MaryUniversity Salary Range

U14Job Open Date06/14/2019Review Begin DateJob Close Date08/30/2019Open Until FilledNoEmployment CategoryProfessional FTPosition Term12-MonthSpecial Application Instructions

Please provide an journal article or working paper that demonstrates your expertise in the use of satellite-based imagery and associated data products (such as those from the Landsat and Sentinel programs and private providers such as DigitalGlobe and Planet). Under Applicant Documents-Writing Sample

Conditions of Employment:EEO Statement

William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access employer and actively encourages applications from minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Supplemental DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample

Optional Documents