[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc/Research Scientist Position in Aerosol Modeling

[Halley Thompson]

Postdoc/Research Scientist Position in Aerosol Modeling

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

The Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) is NASA’s leading Earth
system modeling organization that uses computer models and data
assimilation techniques to maximize the impact of NASA’s program of Earth
Observations. GMAO members perform research, develop Earth system models
and assimilation systems, and produce quasi-operational products in support
of NASA’s missions. The “Goddard Earth Observing System” (GEOS)
<https://gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov/GEOS_systems/> family of models is used for
applications across a wide range of spatial scales, from kilometers to many
tens of kilometers. The modular structure of the models allows the
inclusion of a range of physical, chemical, and biological processes, which
are chosen according to the application.

The Earth System Observatory (ESO) is NASA’s response to the
recommendations of the 2017 Earth Sciences Decadal Survey conducted by the
National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The ESO is being
conceived as a set of fully integrated missions addressing 4 main Earth
science focus areas including aerosols, clouds, convection and
precipitation (jointly referred to as AOS, the Atmosphere Observing
System). ESO ground breaking observations will provide critical
measurements to address societally relevant problems in climate change,
natural hazard mitigation, fighting forest fires, and improving real-time
agricultural processes.

We are seeking a postdoc/research scientist to engage in the development of
aerosol components integrating the GEOS Earth System Model. Emphasis is
given to the interaction of aerosols with clouds and precipitation in
support of NASA’s Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission. Activities
will include the development of microphysically based removal processes,
advancing the bulk GOCART aerosol scheme as well as microphysical schemes
such as the Modal Aerosol Module (MAM), and the tight coupling of these
components with cloud/precipitation processes in the GEOS model. The
successful candidate will work closely with data assimilation scientists
for maximizing the impact of NASA spaceborne measurements on air-quality
reanalyzes and forecasts. Activities will include algorithm and code
development, preparation of ancillary datasets, designing and running
experiments, and testing/scientific validation of the resulting software
and data products.

All development will take place using an open-source science approach based
on modern configuration management practices, on GitHub. The successful
candidate will be a self-starter who is energetic and outgoing and works
well in a team environment with scientists, software developers, and
operations analysts. We are seeking candidates with potential for being
leaders in the field who could eventually lead the aerosol modeling
activities at GMAO.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a solid knowledge of aerosol science and
previous exposure to the implementation of aerosol schemes in earth system
models.

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

   - PhD in Atmospheric Sciences Earth Science, Computer Science, Physics,
   or related fields
   - A strong background in scientific software development in High
   Performance Computing (HPC) environment is required, including the
   development of parallel applications.
   - Scientific programming experience in Fortran and/or C++, as well as
   working knowledge of Python for computational science and machine learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

   - Previous experience with GitHub/GitLab or similar git-based environment
   - Familiarity with the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF)
   - Familiarity with data assimilation techniques, especially when applied
   to aerosol data
   - 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.

The successful candidate will join the GESTAR II Consortium which supports
over 120 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
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 Spring 2023, 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 176:
Researcher Position to: Halley Thompson (halleyt at umbc.edu)



Completed applications received by March 3, 2023 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. Arlindo da
Silva (arlindo.m.dasilva at nasa.gov).

-- 

*Halley Thompson, MPA, PHR*

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

Program Specialist

GESTAR II at MSU

Hiring Specialist

GESTAR II Consortium
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