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
h 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
h Prepare professional geographic maps for
online applications and print publications, using
advanced cartographic skills.
h Researching and developing attribute databases; maintaining databases.
h Maintaining GIS hardware and software;
installing software and upgrades; troubleshooting
software issues and providing technical support.
h Responding to requests for information and data.
Qualifications
h An MS degree or PhD in geography,
environmental science, forestry or related discipline is preferred.
h 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.
h Proficiency in GIS/RS software including some
or all of the following: ArcGIS Desktop 10.x,
ArcGIS Server, ERDAS Imagine, Idrisi, ENVI
h Experience in spatial analysis and modeling.
h Strong analytical skills, including raster
analysis, generating statistics and indicators
from spatial data, automating common tasks are a plus.
h 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 [email protected]. 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).
