Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Company Overview
Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading-edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Job Summary
We are currently seeking an Environmental Scientist III, Imaging Spectrometer Calibration Scientist, Remote Sensing. The preferred location for this position is Boulder, CO; a hybrid arrangement may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.
The Imaging Spectrometer Calibration Scientist will be part of the NEON Science Team that is responsible for operating, maintaining, and ensuring the success of a national program to generate more than 180 data products from 81 sites throughout the US for over 30 years. The Science Team develops, maintains, and improves field and lab protocols, derives data processing and data QAQC algorithms, generates instrument specific calibration parameters, develops and maintains data analysis pipelines, works with external analytical laboratory partners, and collaborates with NEON Cyberinfrastructure software engineers to produce and publish high quality data products for the research, education, and decision-making communities. The position will exist within the Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) team.
As a member of the AOP Team, the incumbent will primarily be responsible for maintenance, repair, upgrade (MRU) and calibration of NEON’s airborne and field imaging spectrometers. The incumbent will apply skills conducting optical bench measurements for high accuracy calibrations of airborne imaging spectrometers, leading field measurements to validate imaging spectrometer calibration accuracy, design of optical lab testing equipment to improve accuracy or efficiency of calibration processes, maintain a high-level of rigor and documentation associated with calibration measurements and results, have knowledge of instruments and techniques for reaching and maintaining high vacuum states, and be comfortable working with complex electrical systems. The Calibration Scientist will also work with the larger AOP science team to translate raw imaging spectrometer measurements into data products defined within NEON’s scope that will be available for public consumption. The successful candidate will produce reports and publications of NEON designs, procedures, and protocols and is highly encouraged to collaborate with NEON staff and the research community in the application of airborne remote sensing to continental-scale ecology.
Responsibilities
- Perform the spectral and radiometric calibration of three airborne hyperspectral imaging systems that were built by NASA JPL and are equivalent to the AVIRIS-NextGen spectrometers.
- Perform regular maintenance on NEON’s imaging spectrometers and related hardware to ensure continued operation and develop strategic repair and upgrade opportunities to maximize sensor health and lifetime.
- Lead calibration and validation fieldwork to verify lab calibrations of the imaging spectrometer.
- Define, procure, and develop specialized equipment for spectral and radiometric calibration and uncertainty assessment.
- Collaborate with external calibration experts through conferences and workshops to share NEON calibration processes and gather knowledge on improvements.
- Support continued development of collection protocols of calibration data and lead algorithmic enhancements for improving quality of calibration results.
- Collaborate with the Flight Operations Team to ensure sensor payload functionality and readiness ahead of flight campaigns.
- Collaborate with the Remote Sensing Science Team to generate data products derived from the imaging spectrometer.
- Maintain the calibration equipment in a clean and organized fashion.
- Generate internal NEON documents describing and relating to the calibration procedures and uncertainty.
- Participate in routine processing of imaging spectroscopy data.
- Participate in the larger NEON science community, including collaborations with the external research community and attending meetings/conferences.
- Contribute to other deliverables as needed.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or mathematics.
- Minimum of 5-years experience working on the spectral and radiometric calibration of airborne or spaceborne earth observing multispectral imaging sensors.
- Minimum of 5-years experience working with passive remote sensing equipment.
- Minimum of 5-years experience operating laboratory equipment in support of sensor calibration.
- Minimum of 5-years experience conducting calibration validation field work.
- Knowledge of radiative transfer theory.
- Experience analyzing high-dimensional data.
- Experience with integrating spheres.
- Experience with ASD spectrometers.
- Experience with NIST-traceable calibration standards.
- Experience with optics equipment and optical alignment.
- Previous experience working with outside vendors to facilitate the procurement, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Proficiency with Lab-View or similar for in-house development of data collection applications.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
- Demonstrated ability to write peer reviewed publications, technical and scientific documents
- Experience working in a collaborative scientific or engineering enterprise.
- Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Organized and detail oriented.
- Able to lift 40 pounds.
- Willingness to travel to field sites, conferences, etc.
To learn more about the NEON Project, visit: https://www.neonscience.org/
More information about NEON remote sensing data products can be found on the NEON Data Portal. Examples of NEON remote sensing data products are below:
Salary
Salary range $110k - $130k
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers
