Geospace Modeling Scientist — HPC & Space Weather

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Computational Geospace Modeling Research Scientist to advance large-scale geospace models describing the coupled magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere system. You will develop first-principles numerical models, software, and HPC workflows to support both fundamental science and sponsor-driven space weather and national security applications.

Collaborate with geospace physics and computational science experts; validate models with satellite

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing, modifying, coupling, or applying first-principles numerical models of the thermosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system or closely related geospace models.
• Demonstrated experience developing scientific software using Python and one or more compiled programming languages such as Fortran or C++.
• Demonstrated experience developing software for high-performance computing environments utilizing MPI and parallel computing methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience validating numerical models using satellite, ground-based, or operational observational datasets.
• Strong written and oral communication skills demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, and scientific presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, extend, and improve first-principles models of the coupled geospace system.
• Develop scientific software and HPC computing infrastructure.
• Design model coupling strategies, computational workflows, and data assimilation for next-gen systems.
• Run large-scale simulations of thermospheric and ionospheric dynamics.
• Validate models against satellite and ground-based observational datasets.
• Collaborate to transition research into sponsor applications.
• Publish findings in reports and peer-reviewed journals.

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Computational Geospace Modeling Research Scientist to advance large-scale geospace models describing the coupled magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere system. You will develop first-principles numerical models, software, and HPC workflows to support both fundamental science and sponsor-driven space weather and national security applications.

Collaborate with geospace physics and computational science experts; validate models with satellite