Development of cloud models using artificial intelligence

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is offering a NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship focusing on climate modeling and AI models development to enhance NASA's climate forecasting capabilities. The position requires a Doctoral Degree and familiarity with machine learning. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Explore unique opportunities in Earth Science and contribute to significant NASA research projects. The application deadline is November 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Doctoral Degree.
• Strong background in climate modeling is essential.
• Familiarity with machine learning models is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI models of cloud physics using NASA datasets.
• Enhance NASA's climate forecasting capabilities.
• Investigate the interaction of human activities and climate.

Skills

Climate modeling

STEM background

Familiarity with machine learning models

Good oral and written communication skills

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0286-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-EarthSci

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

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 at 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.

This opportunity is closed to applicants who are Senior Fellows (5 years or more past PhD).

The representation of clouds in atmospheric models constitutes a major source of uncertainty in climate predictions. This project seeks to develop artificial intelligence (AI) models of cloud physics using major datasets maintained at The NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, including climate reanalyses, long‑term reforecast datasets, satellite retrievals, and global kilometer‑scale atmospheric simulations. The AI models will be implemented in global climate models to enhance NASA's climate‑forecasting capabilities and investigate the interaction of human activities and climate.

Field of Science: Earth Science

Advisors

Donifan Barahona
[e-mail]
301-614-6103

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility

• 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 a valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Qualifications

• Climate modeling
• STEM background
• Familiarity with machine learning models
• Good oral and written communication skills

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree

Contact

Mikeala

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