Associate Research Scientist

The Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) in the Earth Institute, Columbia University in New York invites applicants for an Associate Research Scientist appointment to develop and evaluate remote sensing techniques to infer properties of clouds and to study the interactions between clouds and aerosols. NASA’s Plankton Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystems (PACE) satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2024.

The Associate Research Scientist will develop and evaluate advanced remote sensing methods to infer cloud properties, such as sub-pixel cloud fraction, geometrical thickness and thermodynamic phase to be applied to the two multi-angle polarimeters onboard PACE. In addition, the Associate Research Scientist will use data of the airborne Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) along with in situ observations from previous and ongoing field campaigns to evaluate remote sensing products. This activity will include participation in flight planning for the ongoing airborne campaign and the development of observational modules that support studies on interactions between aerosols, clouds and precipitation.

The Associate Research Scientist will collaborate with the international PACE and RSP science teams, perform original research, present novel results at scientific meetings, publish first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to funding proposals.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science or related field and at least two years post-PhD relevant experience is required.
• Strong mathematics and programming skills.
• Expertise in atmospheric remote sensing is required.
• Demonstrated well-regarded outputs including high-ranking publications and presentations at international workshops or conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a coordinated research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience studying cloud physics and aerosol-cloud processes.
• Experience working with airborne and satellite datasets, including participation in field campaigns
• Experience with 1D and 3D radiative transfer simulations of cloudy atmospheres both in atmospheric windows and within atmospheric absorption bands.

This is a full-time officer of research position and provides a comprehensive salary and benefits package. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran