Modeling and Analysis of Upper Atmospheric Composition and Related Processes

ORAU; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution is offering a position for a research scientist focusing on upper atmospheric studies at their Ames Research Center in California. Candidates will engage in research aimed at understanding the composition and processes of the upper troposphere and stratosphere. A Doctoral Degree is required, along with a passion for atmospheric science and research experience. Applications are welcomed from U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Occasional travel for missions may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Candidates with a focus on the impact of summer monsoon systems on upper atmospheric composition.
• Experience with atmospheric models is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on upper troposphere and stratosphere (UT/S) composition.
• Investigate the relationship between atmospheric deep convection, clouds, and water vapor.
• Support NASA airborne missions with forecasting and flight planning.

Skills

Experience with atmospheric models

Research in atmospheric composition

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Overview

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code
0081-NPP-NOV26-ARC-EarthSci

Application
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 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 designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

The Atmospheric Dynamics group in the Atmospheric Sciences Branch of the Earth Science Division at NASA Ames Research Center focuses on research of the upper atmosphere — mainly the upper troposphere and stratosphere (UT/S) — and its role in climate. We use a combination of satellite data, high-altitude aircraft measurements, and models to investigate variations in and processes that impact clouds, aerosols, and trace gases in the UT/S. In particular, the relationship between atmospheric deep convection, clouds, and water vapor in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere is a key topic under investigation. The objective of our research is to improve our ability to predict how future changes in climate will affect atmospheric composition (and vice versa).

We also have a long history of providing meteorological and flight planning support for NASA airborne missions dating back to the 1980s. Our most recent involvement is participation in NASA campaigns that target the summer monsoons: Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) and Asian Summer Monsoon Chemical and Climate Impact Project (ACCLIP). High-resolution temporal and spatial measurements of atmospheric composition obtained from airborne campaigns are critical for process-level studies and for validating satellites and models.

The prospective candidate will conduct research that advances our understanding of UT/S composition and related processes. Candidates with interest in the impact of summer monsoon systems on upper atmospheric composition are especially encouraged to apply at this time. Experience with atmospheric models is advantageous. The prospective candidate may be involved in forecasting and flight planning for NASA airborne missions; occasional deployment travel may be necessary.

Our group is committed to, and benefits from, the full and equitable participation of diverse members.

Position Details

Location
Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, California

Field of Science
Earth Science

Advisors
Rei Ueyama
[e-mail]
[phone]

Eligibility
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 is currently open to:

• 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

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

Point of Contact
Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements
Degree: Doctoral Degree.