What are the responsibilities and job description for the Polarimeter Research Scientist position at Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.?
Job Description:
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a Polarimeter Research Scientist at NASA Langley Research Center. The candidate will be proficient in vector radiative transfer theory, machine learning, optimal estimation theory, Fortran, and Python. This work will support multiple current and upcoming NASA missions including the NASA PolCube CubeSat polarimeter mission, the NASA Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission and the NASA Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission. The successful candidate will further investigate and optimize radiative transfer models, simulators, and apply scientific machine learning techniques to remote sensing applications for aerosol, ocean and trace gas retrievals. This position will require excellent verbal and written communication skills, as the selected applicant will be in a leadership role. This position is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with a strong analytical background coupled with computer programming and machine learning expertise.
Remote telework is available for this position.
Responsibilities:
Develop operational airborne and satellite retrieval algorithms for passive polarimeter instruments and active remote sensing lidar instruments.
Perform extensive analyses under different scenarios and create programs and scripts to turn polarimetric and lidar simulations into an autonomous, AI-driven, operational software retrieval system.
Investigate and optimize radiative transfer models, simulators, and apply scientific machine learning techniques to remote sensing applications for aerosol, ocean and trace gas retrievals.
Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and make presentations at local team meetings and global science conferences.
Manage multiple tasks in a dynamic and collaborative science-driven environment.
Required Experience:
Ph.D. in Physics, Atmospheric Science, Astronomy or closely related science or technical field
Minimum 5 years of professional experience, suitable for early-career researchers
Programming experience developing and implementing remote sensing algorithms in Fortran and Python
Experience in the use and development of models, radiative transfer models, numerical analysis, neural network and machine learning techniques
Ability to work independently as well as within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and students
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as the selected applicant will contribute to peer-reviewed publications and science conference presentations
Desired Experience:
Experience working with large data sets
Solid understanding and experience following a strict configuration management approach, using version control systems such as Git/GitHub/GitLab
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident due to facility and/or data access requirements.
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.
