Research Associate

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

The Department of Geography and Environment is a diverse academic department delivering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of the full-time faculty members are active researchers with external grant support from government, industry and/or private foundations. The research areas consist of 4 clusters: physical geography; environment, development and health geography; urban studies, and; Geographic Information Science (GIS). The department also houses the Cartography section that produces materials for individuals within the department, throughout Western and broader community.

Key Goals of the Unit:

• To provide the highest quality of creative and scholarly experiences for students in our undergraduate and graduate programs
• Providing support for researchers and scholars in pursuit of academic excellence.
• Ensuring that the study of Geography and Environment is promoted through publications, lectures and presentations at local, national and international events

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects, and carry out or oversee original and independent research under the general direction of a principle investigator. The incumbent may play a lead role in training staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and/or post-doctoral fellows, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. The incumbent will develop research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The Research Associate will evaluate and interpret experimental results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• Masters degress in a relevant area of focus
• PhD degree preferred

Experience:

• 3 year of work experience supporting research in a related technical field

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Professional proficiency in leading Remote Sensing and GIS software packages (e.g., ENVI, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS)
• Familiarity with Python for scientific computing and the development of custom deep learning models
• Extensive practical experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and/or TensorFlow/Keras for tasks like hyperspectral image classification, semantic segmentation
• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate and adapt state-of-the-art research papers into practical, working prototypes
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Demonstrated capability to design, plan, and execute independent research projects, managing timelines and resources effectively
• Adaptability and flexibility to rapidly incorporate new technologies, methodologies, or project directions based on research outcomes or sponsor requirements

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory prior to any offer of employment.

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: The policy can be viewed at: POLICY Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone

This position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.