In September 2010 Tomasz will assume the position of the Thomas Jefferson Endowed Chair of Space Exploration in the Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati. He will work to establish a center of research and education at the University of Cincinnati devoted to innovative, leading edge interdisciplinary science centered around the theme of automated analysis of geo-spatial data through artificial intelligence approach. The goal is to make this approach relevant not only to space exploration but also to a broad spectrum of Earth system sciences. Postoctoral researcher and graduate research assistant positions will be established to help carrying out the functions of this program.

The Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati is expected to offer (pending final approval) a postdoctoral position to a self-motivated researcher to undertake work in the area of space exploration informatics. The candidate must have expertise in one or more of the following fields: remote sensing, planetary geomorphology, computational intelligence and geoinformatics, or image processing, with the PhD in geography, computer science, geology, or related fields. The successful candidate will be involved in one or more of the following research projects: automatic cataloging of crater and other geomorphic features from high resolution planetary images, machine-learning-based automatic geomorphic mapping, and data mining of large spatial planetary and terrestrial datasets. The candidate will be expected to work in a multidisciplinary, highly motivated and productive team. A high level of motivation, ability to solve challenging problems, and passion for research are expected.

The candidate should have a good communication and writing skills. The responsibility include designing and executing computer codes, analyzing and reporting original results, writing scientific manuscripts, and participating in daily computer lab maintenance. Skills in maintaining a server and local area network are highly desirable.

Postdoctoral position will be offered for an initial period of up to two years, with possible extension to a maximum of three years. The University of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Please contact Dr. Tomasz Stepinski (tstepinski@gmail.com), the Thomas Jefferson Chair Professor of Space Exploration Informatics, for further information.

Graduate research assistant positions at the Ph.D. or MS level are available (pending final approval) starting September 2010 with Dr. Tomasz Stepinski in the Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati. The general objective of the project supporting these assistantships is Space Informatics. Applicants should preferably have BS or MS in GIS, remote sensing, image processing, planetary geomorphology, computational intelligence and geoinformatics, or other related fields. A past experience in research is desirable. A high level of motivation and passion for research are expected. Please contact Dr. Tomasz Stepinski (tstepinski@gmail.com) for further information.