Alaska Senior Spectral Geologist (Geological Scientist I)

The State of Alaska is looking for a geologist to spearhead a first-in-the-nation geologic repository hyperspectral scanning program at the Geologic Materials Center (GMC) in Anchorage. The program will focus on the analysis of samples from the extensive core collection housed at the GMC to advance the understanding of the state’s complex geology and associated resources.

Primary Purpose of Role:

The successful candidate will manage the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of spectral data to improve resource development, support alternative energy initiatives, and advance geological studies in Alaska. Responsibilities involve overseeing the hyperspectral facility operations, conducting original research, analyzing data, publishing results, obtaining funding, and forming partnerships to collaborate on new projects.

Duties (select examples)

Oversee and enhance GMC hyperspectral operations
Lead applied research and development projects to understand Alaskan geologic systems utilizing proximal sensing to analyze mineralogical, chemical, spatial, and temporal features
Set scanning priorities, author reports, provide hyperspectral interpretation support to stakeholders, generate internal and external funding, and foster collaborations with commercial and scientific partners
Assist IT staff with the development of a practical web interface for users to find, filter, and access data and imagery associated with spectral outputs and interpretations
Stay updated with technological advancements in spectral data applications
Some travel is required with potential involvement in fieldwork
Assure data integrity, platform maintenance, and communication with hardware and software designers to resolve higher-level problems
Share knowledge on scanning protocols, safety awareness, and client services to guide scanning team members
Successful and timely completion of projects, contributing important findings to geological investigations, and supporting the Division's goals for resource-development activities

Experience / Qualifications:

Applicants should have a master's degree or a PhD with direct experience in the application of hyperspectral scanning and analysis to geologic studies. Relevant experience may be in academia, the public sector, or industry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong geology background, expertise in hyperspectral analysis of geological materials, knowledge of mineralogy and mineral chemistry, and excellent oral and written communication skills with a record of publication. Involvement in industry consortiums or affiliate groups is a plus. Complete Minimum Qualifications are posted at Workplace Alaska (link below).

Hyperspectral Facility:

In the spring of 2025, the GMC will receive a new HySpex hyperspectral core scanning system to digitally record the extensive rock core collection. The system will combine HySpex VNIR-1800 and SWIR-640 cameras with HyperCam Mini MWIR and LWIR cameras from Telops, covering a wide spectral range of 400–12,500 nm. A 3D laser profiler will enable precise spatial alignment of all sensors, while a high-resolution RGB camera ensures accurate imaging of even fine-grained cores. The Breeze Geo software by Prediktera will streamline data acquisition and analysis and guide mineralogical output with an expert system from the US Geological Survey.

Location: Anchorage Alaska

Salary: Range 22 ($3,359.25 - $3,721.50 Biweekly).

Application:

This recruitment is open to all global applicants eligible to work in the United States. If applying as a foreign national, the country of origin should have expedited visa status with the United States, covering skilled workers (e.g., the Australian E-3 visa). The following materials are required for consideration.

At the time of application:

Cover letter (will be considered writing sample)
Transcripts (in support of education experience)
Full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications

At the time of interview:

Three (3) professional references
Valid driver's license
Pre-employment certification form

Please apply at Workplace Alaska: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/4683256/geological-scientist-spectral-geologist-pcn-10-2234. The application period closes at 5:00 PM AKST on November 12, 2024.

Additional Information:

GMC webpage at https://dggs.alaska.gov/gmc/

Division’s Annual Report available at https://dggs.alaska.gov/pubs/id/31118.

Listing of GMC drill core inventory: https://maps.dggs.alaska.gov/gmc/search#q=(prospect%3A*%20OR%20well%3A*)%20AND%20keyword%3Araw%20AND%20keyword%3Acore&page=0&max=1000&sort=score&sort=score&dir=asc&dir=asc

For more information or questions about this position, please contact the hiring manager:

Kurt Johnson (Curator, Alaska Geologic Materials Center)

kurt.johnson@alaska.gov

1-907-754-3597

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Alaska Geological Survey (DGGS)

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Alaska Senior Spectral Geologist