Career Opportunity /  3 January 2023

3yr Postdoctoral Associate: Remote Sensing and Unoccupied Aircraft Systems

The Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing (MaRRS) Lab at Duke University seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to support the ongoing development of new and existing research and conservation programs, both internally and externally. Specifically, we are seeking an individual eager to take on new challenges through the use of the lab’s extensive resources, including a wide range of UAS platforms, sensors, and computational power for analytical work. The MaRRS lab has a presence at both Duke campuses in North Carolina (Durham and Beaufort), each presenting a range of scientific opportunities and an array of diverse collaborators. While a large proportion of the lab’s work focuses on marine ecosystems, we welcome applications from those with interests across the full spectrum of environmental sciences.

Deadline: 3 January 2023 - the deadline has passed.
Beaufort, NC; Durham, NC

To apply, follow this link: 

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22094

Postdoctoral researchers in the MaRRS lab are expected to participate in all aspects of the scientific endeavor, including ideation, project scoping, proposal writing, field execution, data analysis, and research publication, as well as contributing to the mentorship of junior laboratory members, participating in laboratory meetings, supporting outreach and community science programs, and contributing to routine laboratory maintenance work. Opportunities to contribute to the teaching mission of the lab are abundant, for both in-person and remote courses. The successful applicant will join a thriving community of biologists, ecologists, engineers, and conservation biologists including those appointed in the Nicholas School of the Environment, the department of Biology, the Pratt School of Engineering and other schools and academic units. The lab is currently expanding into a new facility on Duke’s main campus, providing increased opportunities for novel collaborations with the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke Forest, the Duke Restore Program, the Duke Wetland Center, and the Duke River Center, amongst other university centers and programs.

Who We Are, Our Goals and Values:

The MaRRS lab opened its doors in August 2015 as a center to promote interdisciplinary research using unoccupied aircraft systems and other small robotic platforms. During this time, the lab has pioneered research focused on using drones to study a diverse array of species, from blue whales to oysters. This includes studying animal populations, individual organisms, and the habitats that support them. The lab’s team incorporates biological, ecological, engineering, and computational expertise while supporting student work at undergraduate and graduate levels. The MaRRS lab is committed to fostering an inclusive community with a diversity of perspectives that help achieve optimal educational and scientific outcomes while engaging the broadest audience possible. Every member of our lab embraces these core values and shares the responsibility to uphold them. For details please see this website: https://marineuas.net/diversityandinclusivity/The Division of Marine Science and Conservation is home to faculty in both natural and social sciences. Division faculty are at the forefront of generating new knowledge about the science, conservation, restoration, and governance of marine systems and in using this knowledge to inform local, state, national, and international policy. We work towards this through leadership in research, interdisciplinary collaborations, training, communication, and inclusion. We are committed to translating research to and engaging with governments, industry, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and local communities. We value diverse ways of knowing, understanding, and learning. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, staff and students who share our commitment to these values.

TERM: 3 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should hold a PhD in biology, ecology, engineering, computer science, or other relevant fields. In particular, we are interested in individuals with experience in high-resolution remote sensing, geospatial data science, platform and systems engineering, and the use of UAS for research in both terrestrial and marine environments. Ideal applicants should have experience in both fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft systems, including COTS systems such as DJI/senseFly etc and open source systems based on PX4/Cubepilot hardware. A background in RC aircraft and/or home built drone systems and basic electronics experience would be advantageous.

PROJECTED START DATE: The position is available immediately. Start date is flexible for doctoral candidates completing degrees in summer of 2022.

WORK LOCATION: Work takes place in Durham, NC and Beaufort, NC., as well as a range of US domestic and international field locations.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.



Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.