[ES_JOBS_NET] Research Scientist Position: Assimilation of Upper Atmospheric Observations in NASA Assimilation Models

[Halley Thompson]

Research Scientist Position: Assimilation of Upper Atmospheric Observations
in NASA Assimilation Models

The Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II)
<https://gestar2.umbc.edu/> consortium at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight
Center (GSFC) invites applicants with a background in the fields of
Atmospheric Science or Data Assimilation for a position focused on data
assimilation in the middle and upper atmosphere. Research will be conducted
as a part of the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO)
<https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/earth/gmao>, in close collaboration with the
Ionosphere, Thermosphere and Mesosphere Lab in the Heliophysics Division.

Research in the GMAO emphasizes use of satellite observations to address
questions that include weather analysis and prediction. Global ocean, ice,
land-surface and atmosphere models are developed as components of
assimilation and forecast systems, as well as for addressing the weather
and climate research questions identified in NASA’s science mission.
Research includes topics such as the generation and analysis of
comprehensive model-based analyses that support studies of variability and
change.

The work contributes to a major project between the Earth and Heliophysics
Science Divisions at NASA GSFC, which is developing an analysis and
prediction system that extends from the surface of Earth to the edge of
space. The work of the successful candidate is expected to be fully
integrated with GMAO development and will support the design and concept
development of future NASA space missions. The work will focus on ingestion
of NASA and other high-altitude past and current observations describing
both neutral and ionospheric properties that will require development of
new observation operators for previously unused data types. The successful
candidate will work in an exciting environment that crosses between neutral
atmosphere physics to electrodynamic interactions.

Required Qualifications:

   - PhD in Atmospheric Science or Data Assimilation
   - Demonstrated ability to code in Python and other environments
   - Experience running complex systems in high-performance computing
   systems
   - Experience using upper atmospheric observations and (ideally)
   knowledge of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) data
   assimilation tools

The successful candidate will join the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports
over 140 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 early 2026, 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 244:
Researcher Position to: Halley Thompson (halleyt at umbc.edu)

Completed applications received by January 24, 2026 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.

-- 

*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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