Data-constrained Air Quality Modeling

ORAU; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization affiliated with NASA is offering a postdoctoral opportunity for PhD graduates in Earth Science. The selected candidate will engage in research utilizing CTMs and AQ models to study tropospheric chemistry and air quality, requiring strong analytical and programming skills. Experience with data-assimilation techniques is beneficial. The position is based at the Ames Research Center in California, and U.S. citizenship or legal resident status is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in an Earth Science related field.
• Experience with running and developing 3-D atmospheric CTMs and data assimilation techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and computer programming ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing NASA research projects related to tropospheric chemical composition and air quality.
• Utilize CTMs and AQ models in research.
• Apply data-assimilation techniques in CTMs and AQ models.

Skills

Analytical skills

Computer programming

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Education

PhD in Earth Science related field

Tools

3-D atmospheric CTMs

Data assimilation techniques

Job description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly‑talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or a NASA‑affiliated research institute. These one‑to‑three‑year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Research Opportunity

CTM and AQ models are vital tools used to understand tropospheric chemical composition, air quality, and human health. Projects will use CTMs and AQ models combined with in situ and remote‑sensing data to better understand and forecast tropospheric chemistry and air quality from regional to global scales. Demonstration of how in‑situ and remote‑sensing data can improve the ability of CTMs and AQ models to replicate and forecast tropospheric composition is required. Application of data‑assimilation techniques in CTMs and AQ models is encouraged. A wide variety of CTMs (e.g., WRF‑Chem, GEOS‑Chem) and AQ models (e.g., CMAQ) can be used. Near‑real‑time data from NASA satellites (e.g., OMI, TROPOMI, TEMPO) and ground‑based networks (e.g., TOLNet, Pandora) will be prioritized. The recently launched TEMPO sensor is especially encouraged.

Position Requirements

• PhD in an Earth Science related field.
• Experience with running and developing 3‑D atmospheric CTMs and data assimilation techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and computer programming ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Location

Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, California

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

Matthew Stephen Johnson
[e-mail]
650‑604‑5420

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizens.
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status.
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.
• Applications from citizens of designated countries will not be accepted unless they are legal permanent residents of the United States.

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail].