Description of the Research Opportunity
The USGS has been a cornerstone in providing comprehensive geoscientific data for nearly 150 years, producing a vast array of publications, data, maps, photographs, and other imagery that are critical for scientific research, policy-making, and public awareness. These products cover a wide range of topics including geology, hydrology, natural hazards, mineral and energy resources, and environmental and ecological science. However, the sheer volume and complexity of this information pose significant challenges to extract, interpret, and apply the information and data effectively.
Traditional methods of data extraction and analysis are often time-consuming and require specialized knowledge. This limits the accessibility of USGS resources to a broader audience, including interdisciplinary researchers, educators, and policymakers. There is a pressing need for advanced tools that can automatically process and interpret these immense datasets, making them more accessible and useful for various stakeholders.
This project presents a unique opportunity to leverage recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically natural language processing and machine learning, to address these challenges. By using existing AI tools or developing a large language model (LLM) specifically trained on USGS digital publications, data, maps, and images we can significantly enhance the accessibility and usability of geoscientific data. An ideal tool or LLM will be capable of analyzing complex geological terminologies, interpreting spatial and image data, and generating insightful summaries and analyses.
This project will significantly improve the accessibility and usability of USGS digital publications, maps, and images, fostering advancements in geoscientific research and applications. By developing a specialized tool, the project will provide a powerful means to understand, contextualize, and apply complex Earth science data, thereby aiding in resource management, environmental planning, hazard mitigation, and scientific discovery.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.
Proposed Duty Station(s)
Any USGS facility
Areas of PhD
Biology, computer science, geography, geology, hydrology, linguistics, mathematics, or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Biologist, Research Computer Engineer, Research Computer Scientist, Research Ecologist, Research Geologist, Research Hydrologist, Research Mathematician, Research Physical Scientist, Research Social Scientist, or Research Statistician.
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.)
