Research Associate - Advanced Technologies

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Manager at CNC Research Forest and in collaboration with academic faculty, the Research Associate partners with industry, government, and academia to explore emerging technologies, craft innovative solutions, and investigate new research pathways. This role leverages technical expertise and research experience to support projects involving advanced technologies like remote sensing, artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and extended reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish research goals and design experiments and protocols independently or guided by funding leads.
• Possibly design and build instrumentation for research undertakings.
• Publish research findings individually or collaboratively and assist in analyzing and presenting results.
• Develop and submit grant proposals for research and training funding.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with relevant industry sectors and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Establish and maintain relationships with other pertinent organizations.
• Plan and coordinate informational and engagement events and related materials as needed.
• Manage project administrative tasks, including budget tracking and report writing.
• Collaborate intensively with all project partners to ensure outcomes are met.
• Lead and encourage cooperative group efforts within the community and the College.
• Represent and promote the College’s Applied Research and Innovation capabilities to community and industry stakeholders.
• Foster a culture supportive of applied research and innovation at the College.
• Maintain protection of SME intellectual property and confidential information.
• Build strong relationships with industry, funders, and partners.
• Contribute actively to fulfilling the College’s mission and supporting learner and community needs.
• Communicate professionally, exemplifying respect for students and colleagues to maintain a positive work environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager or designee.

Qualifications and Skills

• At minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Geography, Computer Science, Forestry, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field with five years' research or technology innovation experience. Preference for Master of Science holders with at least three years’ experience in those areas.
• Experience exceeding three years collaborating with industry or community partners.
• Proficiency in one or more technologies such as LiDAR and point cloud processing, terrestrial laser scanning, multispectral/hyperspectral imaging, satellite remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis.
• Excellent analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and communication proficiency.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of collaborative research teams.
• Initiative, critical thinking, and creativity to tackle complex research and technical challenges.
• Strong project management competencies managing comprehensive, multi-partner projects.
• Deep understanding of northern BC’s business sectors and challenges.
• Ability to meet strict external deadlines and schedules.
• Skill in translating research outcomes into scalable, practical solutions for industry and societal benefit.
• Adaptability to fast-changing research, development, and technological settings.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally and provincially as needed.
• Preference for candidates with experience in AI, machine learning, or deep learning applied to geospatial or environmental contexts.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, or C++ relevant to geospatial analysis and automation.
• Knowledge of extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual, augmented, or mixed reality platforms and their applications.
• Experience with 3D visualization, digital twin creation, or reality capture processes.
• Background in forestry, environmental monitoring, natural resources, infrastructure, or related industries is advantageous.