[ES_JOBS_NET] Research position in hydrology, atmospheric science, or earth science working in Land Data Assimilation for GEOS Weather Reanalysis

[Halley Thompson]

The Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II)
consortium at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) invites
applications for a research position in the fields of hydrology,
atmospheric science, or earth science.

Based in the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the GESTAR-II researcher will
contribute to the development and implementation of land data assimilation
components for the water and carbon cycles, including satellite remote
sensing observations of soil moisture, snow, land surface temperature, and
vegetation, with a focus on supporting the next Goddard Earth Observing
System (GEOS) reanalysis.

The research builds on the existing Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP)
Level-4 soil moisture ensemble data assimilation algorithm and its weak
coupling to the GEOS weather analysis system. The researcher will
contribute to extending the existing capabilities by including the
assimilation (or direct insertion) of dynamic vegetation properties (such
as leaf area index and vegetation optical depth) or other surface
characteristics (such as albedo). In support of the GEOS reanalysis, the
researcher will prepare multi-decadal records of land remote sensing
observations, prepare other ancillary datasets needed for the land
assimilation, conduct land-only and coupled tests of the assimilation
system, and validate the output. Responsibilities further include leading
or contributing to the publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals
describing the research results and the writing of proposals to support the
research.

As part of their duties, the researcher will actively engage with the
reanalysis group and the land modeling and assimilation group in GMAO. The
position will also involve collaborations with other groups at GSFC as well
as the broader research community.

Required Qualifications::

   - PhD in Hydrology, Atmospheric Sciences or Earth Sciences related
   fields, with a strong background in land modeling and data assimilation
   preferred.
   - Excellent quantitative, computational, and programming skills
   (including Fortran, MATLAB or Python, git or other software version
   control).
   - Strong written and verbal communication skills.
   - Ability to think critically and innovatively with an interest in
   interdisciplinary studies.
   - A demonstrated ability to contribute to team-focused developments of
   large, complex data assimilation systems.

The successful candidate will join the GESTAR II Consortium which supports
over 120 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC). GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for
breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out
observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA
strategic Earth Science mission objectives.

Goddard’s Earth Science Division is home to about 200 civil servants and
over 1200 collaborating researchers and support personnel., dedicated to
studying the Earth as an integrated system that includes the atmosphere,
oceans, biosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere. The Division operates as a
component of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate that collaborate on
interdisciplinary research with the Astrophysics Science, Heliophysics
Science, and Solar System Exploration Divisions.

The nominal starting date is in March 2022, but alternate dates are
possible depending on availability.

Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list)
and a 3-page statement of research interests. Short-listed candidates will
be asked to supply three letters of reference at a later date. All
materials and inquiries should be sent by email Subject line: Task 94:
Researcher Position to: Halley Thompson halleyt at umbc.edu.

Completed applications received by January 31, 2022 will receive full
consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is
filled.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and
qualifications. The GESTAR II consortium and NASA/GSFC are committed to
building a diverse research community and encourages applications from
women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and
veterans. All GESTAR II institutions are Affirmative Action, Equal
Opportunity Employers.

For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr.Rolf Reichle (
*rolf.reichle at nasa.gov* <rolf.reichle at nasa.gov>).

-- 

*Halley Thompson, MPA, PHR*

she/they (what's this? <https://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-guide-glsen>
)

Program Specialist

GESTAR II Consortium
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