Remote Sensing & GIS Specialist

Job Description
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is seeking candidates for a Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist. The RS & GIS Specialist will help build GIS capacity at the university, support analysis of various spatial datasets to assess forest change and help in the collection and management of biodiversity and environmental data.

Responsibilities

• Participate in ongoing research projects by:

1.     Acquiring, processing and analyzing satellite imagery and other spatial data (cleaning data, preparing metadata, managing geodatabases)
2.    Conducting digital mapping, land use/land cover mapping based on remote sensing data using digital technologies

• Prepare professional geographic maps for online applications and print publications, using advanced cartographic skills.
  
• Researching and developing attribute databases; maintaining databases.
  
• Maintaining GIS hardware and software; installing software and upgrades; troubleshooting software issues and providing technical support.
  
• Responding to requests for information and data.
  

Qualifications

• An MS degree or PhD in geography, environmental science, forestry or related discipline is preferred.
  
• Experience with GIS applications, tools, and resources including geodatabase configuration and management and common APIs and tools, in particular ESRI ArcGIS (desktop and server) and Python programming language.
  
• Proficiency in GIS/RS software including some or all of the following: ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, ArcGIS Server, ERDAS Imagine, Idrisi, ENVI
  
• Experience in spatial analysis and modeling.
  
• Strong analytical skills, including raster analysis, generating statistics and indicators from spatial data, automating common tasks are a plus.
  
• Proficiency in graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator) with an ability to produce high quality maps for publication is a plus.
  

Salary and Benefits
The appointment is initially for one year with possibility of renewal. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. Applications, including a cover letter (in English), copy of a CV, and the names and addresses of three referees, should be sent by email to payal.shah@oist.jp. Informal inquiries are welcome via email.

About OIST
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (www.oist.jp) is a new interdisciplinary research institute and graduate university located in the beautiful seaside village of Onna-son, adjacent to coral reefs and subtropical forest. The institute is international by design; the working language is English and researchers are split between Japanese and foreign nationalities.  Knowledge of Japanese is not required, and our relocation staff will assist you with moving to Okinawa and setting up your life.  For more information on OIST, see recent articles in Nature (http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110629/full/474553a.html) (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v474/n7353/full/474541b.html), the Economist(http://www.economist.com/node/21540228).

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