Postdoctoral Position in atmospheric science, radiative transfer, and satellite data analysis

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

Based in the NASA Climate and Radiation Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the researcher will focus on studying polar cloud, blowing snow, and boundary layer processes using data from a variety of NASA satellite observations, including those from the CALIPSO, CloudSat, ICESat-2, MODIS, and CERES. Reanalysis datasets such as MERRA2 will also be utilized. The investigator will conduct big data analysis, machine learning modeling and radiative transfer simulations to improve our understanding of the impact of clouds and blowing snow on the polar climate system.

Candidates for this research position will have extensive experience in big data analysis, remote sensing, and radiative transfer.

Required Experience:

●      PhD, plus experience in atmospheric sciences or closely related subjects;

●      Expertise in analyzing/working with large and varied datasets (e.g., satellites, in-situ, etc);

●      Proficiency in structured programming (e.g. Python);

●      Expert knowledge in atmospheric radiative transfer, remote sensing principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.

●      Strong communication skills, both oral and written;

●      Willing to take lead on projects;

●      Master’s degree with extensive data analysis experience and excellent radiative transfer background will also be considered.

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. This position is a one-year contract, renewable depending upon performance and funding availability.

Candidates should provide a cover letter, and CV (including publication list). 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 98: Researcher Position to: Halley Thompson halleyt@umbc.edu.

Review will start immediately, 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. Yuekui Yang (yuekui.yang@nasa.gov).