Research Scientist position: Atmospheric Methane Modeler and Data Analyst

Description of Responsibilities

The GESTAR II Consortium at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center seeks an Atmospheric Methane Modeler and Data Analyst in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This center is a world leader in developing satellite datasets of atmospheric trace gasses and aerosols for stratospheric ozone layer and air pollution research. 

Primary duties include:

• Leading independent and team-oriented scientific analyses of satellite data and simulated data of atmospheric methane and related atmospheric constituents.
• Communicating the research in scientific, peer-reviewed publications and presentations at both national and international conferences.
• Securing methane research funding by leading and/or contributing to scientific proposals, primarily submitted to NASA research announcements.
• Managing existing projects and developing new project concepts that enable climate research within the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory.
• Working in a team-oriented environment with NASA personnel and building collaborations with scientific researchers both inside and outside of NASA.

Desired Experience:

• Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related.
• Five plus years of experience with a strong preference for candidates with experience in methane modeling.
• Processing and analyzing large satellite and/or simulated datasets of methane and other atmospheric constituents.
• Researching atmospheric climate gasses and climate change.
• Managing Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs).

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of one or more data processing languages, such as FORTRAN, IDL, C++, and Python.
• Experience running, processing, and analyzing output from atmospheric chemistry transport models.
• Proven ability to communicate scientific research in scientific publications and presentations.

Position Location:

Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, 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 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 111: Atmospheric Methane Modeler and Data Analyst to: Halley Thompson halleyt@umbc.edu.  

Completed applications received by March 15, 2022 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled. 

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

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. 

For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr.  Bryan N. Duncan (Bryan.N.Duncan@nasa.gov).