International Scientist – Spatial Data Science

Reference number: 2024009
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

We are looking for a Spatial Data Scientist with strong machine learning analytics experience. The position falls under the Spatial Data Science and Applied Learning Lab (SPACIAL) of CIFOR-ICRAF. If you have a background in GIS, spatial data analysis, including remote sensing (satellite data analysis, drone data processing), this position might be for you. You will need a strong background in working on the development and deployment of machine learning models based on remote sensing data (e.g. satellite data). Spatial data science tasks will include data analysis using R Statistics, Python, Julia, and QGIS. A background in the maintenance and use of SpatioTemporal Asset Catalogs (STACs) would be a bonus. Tasks will include identification of data analytics problems, cleaning, and validation of data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and uniformity, and machine learning tasks. The position will support multiple themes and units within CIFOR-ICRAF on scientific project tasks, particularly around access to and use of spatial data, database development and management, report writing, and scientific publications. The position will also supervise junior data scientists, interns, and students.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Develop
   and deploy machine learning models using ground truth and remote sensing data
   to assess various aspects of ecosystem health at scale based on global
   datasets. This will include working with both optical and radar data and
   advanced machine learning frameworks, including deep learning models.
2. Conduct spatial data (GIS)
   analysis tasks using R, Python, Julia, and QGIS.
3. Contribute to the maintenance of
   the SPACIAL STAC.
4. Contribute to the development of
   monitoring systems and platforms.
5. Develop
   and deploy machine learning models using ground truth and remote sensing data. This
   will include working with both optical and radar data.
6. Engage
   with stakeholders and contribute to the development of trainings for
   CIFOR-ICRAF staff and outside partners in spatial data analysis using languages
   such as R, Python and Julia.
7. Represent
   CIFOR-ICRAF at conferences and/or meetings from a technical remote sensing /
   data science perspective.
8. Manage spatial data science
   fellows and interns.
   

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in spatial data
  science, remote sensing, GIS or related field.
• Strong background in machine
  learning and AI.
• High level of proficiency in
  computer programming languages such as R, Python, or Julia.
• Experience in handling spatial
  data.
• Experience with Natural Language
  Processing (NLP).
• Experience with interactive
  decision support systems (eg. dashboards).
  

Education, knowledge and experience

•MSc or PhD in spatial data science, remote sensing, GIS or related field.
•Strong background in machine learning and AI.
•High level of proficiency in computer programming languages such as R, Python, or Julia.
•Experience in handling spatial data.
•Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP).
•Experience with interactive decision support systems (eg. dashboards).

Terms and conditions

•This is a Globally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.

•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.

Application process

The application deadline is 18 Mar 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.