Job Information
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Atmospheric Data Assimilation Research Scientist in Lanham, Maryland
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) seeks a talented and goal-oriented individual to join our team supporting NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The selected candidate will contribute to advancing reanalysis projects, working closely with NASA scientists to develop and maintain the system that drives climate reanalyses for research and applications. This role supports essential scientific initiatives by preparing and integrating a wide array of observational data—ranging from historical datasets to cutting-edge satellite observations—into NASA’s reanalysis framework. The contractor will help create a comprehensive, well-managed dataset that supports climate research, weather prediction, and decision-making for future missions.
Key responsibilities include evaluating and preparing diverse atmospheric and land observing systems for integration into the reanalysis workflow. This work spans historical and reprocessed remote-sensed and in-situ data, as well as observations from upcoming NASA satellite missions. The contractor will contribute to integrating these observing systems into NASA’s modern data assimilation framework. This position is located at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.
Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain software to integrate multiple sources of conventional and satellite data into the DAS workflow.
Conduct Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and other sensitivity analyses to optimize the use of diverse observational data in assimilation systems.
Collaborate on and analyze targeted experiments to document changes in the observing system over time.
Investigate and document reprocessed historical observations, both conventional and remotely sensed, for reanalysis applications.
Regularly monitor incoming radiance and conventional data streams and DAS feedback (e.g., observation counts, acceptance rates, observation-minus-forecast residuals) using the radiance monitoring system and other tools.
Support decision-making on observing system selections in reanalysis, considering localized data quality variations.
Required Qualifications:
M.S. degree in atmospheric science or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Experience with atmospheric data assimilation or Earth system observations.
Experience with scientific data analysis using standard data formats in earth system modeling.
Advanced skills in Python and Unix/Linux shell scripting.
Proficiency in scientific programming.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
U.S. Permanent Residency or Citizenship is required.
Desired Qualifications:
Familiarity with WMO’s BUFR data format.
Knowledge of atmospheric data for Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate applications.
Experience with high-performance computing environments.
Proficiency in version control tools (e.g., Git).
Ability to work independently and demonstrate self-motivation.
Strong communication skills.
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.