[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc research position in data assimilation and remote sensing, Greenbelt, MD

[Halley Thompson]

*Description of Responsibilities*

The Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II)
<https://gestar2.umbc.edu/> consortium at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight
Center (GSFC) <https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/> invites applications for a
postdoctoral research position in the fields of atmospheric science, earth
science, machine learning, or related fields in the Global Modeling and
Assimilation office, NASA Code 610.1
<https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/earth/gmao/>. The lab works to maximize the
impact of satellite observations in climate, weather and atmospheric
composition prediction using comprehensive global models and data
assimilation. To achieve this goal, the GMAO develops models and
assimilation systems, generates products to support NASA instrument teams
and the NASA Earth science program, and undertakes scientific research to
inform system development pathways.

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is an
important pathfinder mission for aerosol data assimilation in the Global
Modelling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center (GSFC). The hyperspectral OCI instrument, as well as the two
multi-angle polarimeters (HARP-2 and SPEX-One) that comprise PACE are
significant enhancements in aerosol remote sensing capabilities that
require new developments in the GEOS aerosol data assimilation system. The
goal of this postdoctoral research position is to conduct theoretical
research on the impact of PACE observations on GEOS aerosol forecasts.
GMAO's proxy datasets of simulated observations of polarimeters and
radiometers will be used to prototype a machine learning based aerosol
retrieval algorithm suitable for aerosol data assimilation, which includes
prognostic error prediction. The impacts of these data will be investigated
with GEOS data assimilation experiments.

Responsibilities also include contributing to the publication of articles
in peer-reviewed journals describing the research results and the
contributing to writing proposals to support research. This an early career
position.

*Required Qualifications*

   - PhD in Atmospheric Sciences Earth Science, Computer Science, Physics,
   or related fields, experience in data assimilation and/or aerosol remote
   sensing is required
   - Scientific programming experience in Fortran and/or C++ is required,
   as well as working knowledge of Python for computational science and
   machine learning.

*Preferred Qualifications*

   - Familiarly with aerosol models and their parameterizations is a plus.
   - A demonstrated ability to contribute to team-focused developments of
   large, complex computational systems.
   - Strong written and verbal communication skills.
   - Ability to think critically and innovatively with an interest in
   interdisciplinary studies.

*Position Location*

Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Maryland.

*About GESTAR II*

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.

*How to Apply*

Candidates should provide three (3) items for a complete application: 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: Subject line: Task 157: Researcher Position to:
Halley Thompson (halleyt at umbc.edu).

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

Completed applications received by* September 23* 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 group and encourage applications from women, racial and
ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. All GESTAR
II institutions are Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employers.

GESTAR II employees work in a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by
NASA, GESTAR II will not accept applications from citizens of designated
countries or those born in a designated country unless they are Legal
Permanent Residents of the U.S. or have other protected status under 8.
U.S.C.1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here
<https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/designated_country_list_1.26.2022.pdf>
.

For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr. Patricia
Castellanos (patricia.castellanos at nasa.gov).

-- 

*Halley Thompson, MPA, PHR*

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

Program Specialist

Morgan State University

GESTAR II Consortium


halley.thompson at morgan.edu

halleyt at umbc.edu
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