Research Associate I, Step 2

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama; On-site; USD 48,376 - 51,750; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama in Huntsville is seeking a Research Associate to support the Office of Data Science and Informatics within the Lab for Applied Science under the Earth System Science Center. The role focuses on advancing data science capabilities to support NASA Earth science data management, access, and dissemination, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Earth science data lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in a relevant field, Python proficiency, and familiarity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 months of full-time, verifiable work experience.
• Some familiarity with satellite remote sensing datasets, particularly in the commercial space.
• Must have a working knowledge of Python.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to manage assigned time-sensitive tasks.
• Basic understanding of any cloud computing provider (preferably AWS).
• Must demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and adapt to evolving operational systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for NASA’s CSDA end users about data access and FAQs.
• Provide user support through email and the help desk system, and apply technical knowledge to answer queries and resolve challenges.
• Support data acquisition for the CSDA program, including tasking, ingestion, and data delivery.
• Work closely with CSDA’s development team to transition systems from development into operational use.
• Support in data publication of CSDA-acquired assets to NASA Earthdata Cloud.
• Provide support for any other NASA program supported by CSDA as needed.
• Assist in scientific publication curation and communication of program impact across research areas.
• Create and maintain operational and informatics documentation for both internal and external usage.
• Collaborate across projects within the Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI).

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Earth Science or related field

Master's degree (desirable)

Tools

Python

AWS (basic)

Job description

Job no: 504218 Department: Earth System Science Center Work type: Staff Full-time Non-Exempt Location: Alabama Categories: Research - Environmental, Research - Other

Purpose of the Position:

The selected Research Associate candidate will support the Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI) within the Lab for Applied Science (LAS) under the Earth System Science Center (ESSC) at UAH. This role focuses on advancing data science capabilities to support NASA Earth science data management, access, and dissemination. ODSI evaluates trends across data science and informatics communities to inform strategic direction and develop effective, scalable solutions. The office also provides a user-centered perspective on how Earth science data are represented, communicated, and utilized. The position contributes to cross-disciplinary collaboration aimed at improving all phases of the Earth science data lifecycle, including policy, engineering, workflows, and information delivery.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) end users about data access and FAQs.
• Provide user support through email and the help desk system, and apply technical knowledge to answer queries and resolve challenges.
• Support data acquisition for the CSDA program, including tasking, ingestion, and data delivery.
• Work closely with CSDA’s development team to transition systems from development into operational use.
• Support in data publication of CSDA-acquired assets to NASA Earthdata Cloud.
• Provide support for any other NASA program supported by CSDA as needed.
• Assist in scientific publication curation and communication of program impact across research areas.
• Create and maintain operational and informatics documentation for both internal and external usage.
• Collaborate across projects within the Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Earth Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 months of full-time, verifiable work experience.
• Some familiarity with satellite remote sensing datasets, particularly in the commercial space.
• Must have a working knowledge of Python.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to manage assigned time-sensitive tasks.
• Basic understanding of any cloud computing provider (preferably AWS).
• Must demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and adapt to evolving operational systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Earth Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or a related field is desired.
• 6-12 months of full-time verifiable work experience is desired.
• Good understanding of AWS core cloud computing services is preferred.
• Extensive experience in GIS and Remote Sensing is preferred.
• Strong background in using satellite remote sensing datasets, particularly in the commercial space, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new tools and adapt to changing operational environments is preferred.

Published Salary (if available):

$48,376 - $51,750

Advertised:

Jul 30 2026 Central Daylight Time

We are told that job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.