Job Information
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Research Scientist- Atmospheric Data Assimilation Systems in Lanham, Maryland
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 contractor and NASA scientists to provide support for the development and maintenance of atmospheric data assimilation systems (ADAS) and evaluation of the observing systems in a NASA earth system model.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Develop and maintain UNIX scripts and software as necessary to incorporate multiple sources of conventional and satellite data into an operational earth system model DAS
Perform regular monitoring of the incoming radiance and conventional data-stream and ADAS feedbacks (e.g., observation counts/acceptance rates, observation-minus-forecast residuals) using the radiance monitoring system and other appropriate tools, and assist the NASA Technical Monitor (TM) with decision making on usage of observing systems in operational ADAS systems
Analyze the issues identified in regular monitoring and conduct Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and other system sensitivity experiments
Conduct and analyze special targeted experiments, and support external collaborators to conduct experimentation with the ADAS, as specified by the TM, to document and understand the impact of the changes of observing system
Investigate and document additional and reprocessed historical observations (both conventional and remotely sensed) as specified by the TM and coordinate with other staff on historical observation reprocessing efforts
Support the integration, configuration, and validation of a JEDI-based ADAS
Required Qualifications
B.S. degree, or equivalent, in atmospheric science, or related field, with 3 or more years of experience
Knowledge of different data formats e.g., NetCDF
Experience with scientific data analysis and data management and manipulation of large datasets
Experience with global data assimilation systems
Experience in scientific programming Fortran, Python, and C++
Strong Unix/Linux shell scripting skills
Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
Excellent communication skills
Permanent Residency or US Citizenship required.
Desired Qualifications
Graduate degree in Atmospheric Science
Familiarity with WMO’s BUFR data format
Familiarity with atmospheric data from different instruments including satellite
Experience with collaborative version control tool e.g. Git
Experience with high performance computing environments
Work independently, self-driven
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.