Research Associate IV, Step 1

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) 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 advances data science for NASA Earth science data management, access, and dissemination, contributing to cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Earth science data lifecycle.

Responsibilities include systems engineering activities for NSWG, developing NSITE project plans,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Three-plus years of verifiable full-time work experience.
• Experience with information management and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Support NSITE Lead Systems Engineer in all systems engineering activities.
• Aid in NSITE project plans for SNWG solutions following NASA practices.
• Manage information across solution projects for NSITE timelines.
• Assemble testing plans and conduct collaborative testing of SNWG web tools.
• Prepare for technical reviews with materials and success criteria.
• Assist with project risk management and technical requirements.
• Apply systems thinking to streamline processes and guide decisions.

Skills

Systems thinking

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Earth/Atmospheric Science or related field

MS in Earth/Atmospheric Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite/SharePoint

Google Workspace

Job description

Apply now Job no: 504303
Department: Earth System Science Center
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Environmental

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:

• Support NASA’s Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG) Implementation Team (NSITE) Lead Systems Engineer (SE) in all systems engineering activities.
• Aid in the development of NSITE project plans for SNWG solutions, adhering to NASA systems engineering best practices and ensuring compliance with set requirements.
• Manage and organize information across multiple solution projects to assist NSITE project management in generating detailed timelines for SNWG solution projects.
• Assemble thorough testing plans and conduct collaborative testing sessions to assess the quality of web-based tools used during the SNWG survey assessment.
• Prepare for technical reviews, including the development of review instructions, review materials, and success criteria, in coordination with multiple team members.
• Assist with project risk management and mitigation and the development of technical requirements.
• Implement systems thinking to identify opportunities for streamlining processes and assist with technical decisions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Earth/Atmospheric Science, Engineering/Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3.75 to 4.25 years of full-time, verifiable work experience.
• Clear grasp of systems thinking, but capable of performing detailed analysis.
• Experience establishing and implementing systems engineering best practices across multiple projects.
• Exceptional organizational skills and experience with information management (e.g., technical requirements, project risks, and project schedules).
• Strong communication skills, including technical writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with quality assurance testing for web applications.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite (including SharePoint) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work with a team and remote project leads.

Desired Qualifications:

• M.S. in Earth/Atmospheric Science, Engineering/Technology, or a related field is desired.
• Working knowledge of satellite data available from NASA is desired.
• Working knowledge of NASA’s Research and Technology Project Management Requirements is desired.
• Experience with team/project management is desired.
• Scientific research experience, including the use of remotely sensed data, is desired.
• Basic programming skills for automating repetitive tasks and/or scientific applications are desired.

Published Salary (if available):

$62,659 - $66,489

Advertised: Aug 21 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

Please note, 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.