Research Scientist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Research Scientist in Fairfax, VA to serve as a code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL’s model repository and to conduct development and testing of atmospheric composition models.

The position leads air quality forecasting research, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to integrate outputs into decision-making systems, and contributes to publications and proposals while mentoring students and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Generally 5+ years of experience in atmospheric sciences.
• Knowledge of Fortran, Python, R, Postgres/MySQL/SQLite, and shell scripting.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on regional and urban air quality forecasting projects.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate modeling outputs into decision-making systems.
• Develop and test atmospheric composition models and conduct performance evaluations.

Skills

Fortran

Python

R

Databases

Shell scripting

Atmospheric sciences experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

CMAQ

SMOKE

Data Assimilation

Surrogate Tools

Job description

Department: College of Science

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) advancesEarth system science through cutting-edge satellite technology,data-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Wedeliver policy-relevant insights that enhance environmentalresilience, support sustainable development, and empower the nextgeneration of scientific leaders through meaningful research andmentorship. As a national leader in remote sensing, we providereliable early warning systems that inform the public, save lives,and strengthen global resilience.

Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) iscommitted to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering anenvironment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliationthroughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values includecultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging,respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures,and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growthto an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsivenessin academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we striveto attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Sciencemission and vision.

About the Position

The primary purpose of this Research Scientist position is to takea role of code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL’s model and toolrepository. The Research Scientist will also conduct thedevelopmental and testing work for the atmospheric compositionmodels.

Leads Research in Air Quality Forecasting and Modeling

• Designs, implements, and manages research projects focused onregional and urban-scale air quality forecasting; and
• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to integratemodeling outputs into operational decision-making systems.

Develop Advanced ML/AI Models for Air Quality Applications

• Applies machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)techniques to enhance traditional chemical transport modelingsystems;
• Improves prediction accuracy and computational efficiencythrough fine-resolution data fusion, bias correction, and modelsurrogate development; and
• Conducts experiments comparing AI-enhanced models withconventional methods and validate performance under variousatmospheric scenarios.

Disseminate Research through Publications and Scientific Engagement

• Prepares manuscripts for submission to high-impact,peer-reviewed journals in atmospheric science, environmentalengineering, or AI applications;
• Presents research findings at national and internationalscientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings;and
• Contributes to proposal development for external researchfunding, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, and EPA.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Considerable experience (generally 5 years or longer) inatmospheric sciences; and
• Knowledge of Fortran, Python, R, Database (Postgres, MySQL,SQLite), Shell program language skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Community Multiscale Air Quality program (CMAQ),Sparse Matrix Operator Kerner Emissions program (SMOKE), DataAssimilation, Surrogate Tools, and other modeling skillsets.

Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/