Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) seeks a talented and goal-oriented individual to join our team supporting NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The selected candidate will work closely with NASA to support the development and maintenance of data assimilation systems (DAS). The work will include the evaluation of the observing systems in a NASA Earth system model and a modern data assimilation framework. This position is located at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Developing and maintaining UNIX scripts and software as necessary to incorporate multiple sources of conventional and satellite data into an operational earth system model DAS.
•  Conduct Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and other system sensitivity experiments, in order to refine the use of multiple observations in assimilation systems and analyze special targeted experiments, and support external collaborators to conduct experimentation to document and understand the impact of the changes of the observing system over time.
• Investigate and document additional and reprocessed historical observations (both conventional and remotely sensed) in the context of reanalysis, 
• Coordinate with other staff on historical observation reprocessing efforts Perform regular monitoring of the incoming radiance and conventional data-stream and DAS feedbacks (e.g., observation counts/acceptance rates, observation-minus-forecast residuals) using the radiance monitoring system and other appropriate tools, and assist with decision making regarding observing system selections in the reanalysis in response to localized variations in data quality.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. degree, or equivalent, in atmospheric science, or related field, with 5 or more years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Deep understanding of data assimilation or reanalysis workflows  Knowledge of different data formats commonly used in the earth system modeling community  Experience with scientific data analysis and data management and manipulation of large datasets  Experience in scientific programming  Strong Unix/Linux shell scripting skills  Experience with Python programming  Experience with collaborative version control tool e.g. Git  Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment  Excellent communication skills This position requires Permanent Residency or US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Atmospheric Science or related field 
• Familiarity with WMO’s BUFR data format 
• Experience with global earth system models 
• Familiarity with atmospheric data from different instruments including satellite 
• Experience with high performance computing environments 
• Work independently, self-drive

EOE, including disability/vets

Physical Requirements:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.