Senior Research Scientist I

Department: Michigan Tech Research Institute

Summary

Motivated, creative principal investigator to provide technical and business development leadership for MTRI activities focused on the design, development, evaluation and exploitation of remote sensing systems for national security applications. The position requires a strong background in mathematics, probability and statistics, physics, and engineering and a proven record of program development and capture. The position is based at MTRI in Ann Arbor, MI.

Responsibilities 

• Lead the formulation and development of new sensor and exploitation programs.
• Serve as principal investigator on research programs.
• Participate in research-related activities such as formulating and writing proposals, planning and management of research projects, report preparation, and presentation of findings on an as needed basis.
• Provide technical assistance to federal, state and local agencies on sensing and processing related issues.
• Deliver program-related presentations to clients and related professional organizations.
• Supervise project staff and student interns.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
• Integrate safety practices into daily activities.
• Cooperate with safety personnel.
• Follow all written and oral safety instructions.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

PhD degree in a science related field such as physics, electrical engineering, optics, mathematics, or statistics, and 10 years of experience in remote sensing, sensor development or data science.
OR
Master’s degree in a science related field such as physics, electrical engineering, optics, mathematics, or statistics, and 15 years of experience in remote sensing, sensor development or data science.

Required Experience

• Experience with the development and execution of applied research programs.
• Experience with the development, analysis and exploitation of remote sensing systems.
• Experience in signal processing, algorithm development, and statistical analysis using advanced mathematical concepts.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Demonstrated ability to develop an externally-funded research portfolio with government and/or commercial funding sources.
• Experience with intellectual property and product development.
• Experience working with national security sponsors.
Experience working for Department of Defense or Intelligence Community entity in a research capacity.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship. Obtaining a national security clearance while holding a dual citizenship will not be possible when the foreign country poses a risk to the national security of the United States.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral/written, and presentation communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to devote 15 to 25% of time to travel.
• Demonstrated ability to speak before large and small groups of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take the initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Familiarity with government contracting and security procedures.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas at meetings and symposia.
• Highly motivated, self-starter.
• Knowledge and experience with the development and analysis of remote sensing systems.                                                                            • Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints. 

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological Un