Research Scientist III Step 2 ODSI

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, within the Earth System Science Center, seeks a staff-position scientist to advance data science for NASA Earth science data management, access, and dissemination.

The candidate will work across disciplines to support scientific discovery and operational system development, evaluating trends and delivering scalable, user-centered Earth science data solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent education/experience in relevant field.
• 2.5–3 years of full-time professional experience.
• Extensive experience with geospatial datasets and technologies.
• Hands-on experience with numerical modeling for Earth science applications.
• Peer-reviewed publications in the field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and curate validation datasets for AI/ML models.
• Evaluate model performance using statistical methods and tests.
• Identify new AI use cases across Earth science domains.
• Develop and implement software solutions across research and operational contexts.

Skills

Geospatial data

Numerical modeling

Python

C/C++

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary reasoning

Education

Master's degree in Atmospheric Science/related field

PhD in Atmospheric Science/related field

Tools

Geospatial technologies

AI/ML tooling

Job description

Job no: 504429
Department: Earth System Science Center
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Environmental

Purpose of the Position:

The selected candidate will support the Office of Data Science and Informatics (ODSI) within the Earth Systems Science Center. This role focuses on advancing data science capabilities to support NASA Earth science data management, access, and dissemination.

This role is suited for candidates with a strong research and computational background who can operate effectively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute to both scientific discovery and operational system development within NASA Earth science programs.

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:

• Prepare and curate validation datasets to support the development and assessment of AI and machine learning models
• Evaluate model performance using appropriateConduct integration testing to ensure models operate effectively within research and operational systems statistical and computational methodologies
• Identify and define new use cases for AI applications across Earth science domains
• Develop and implement software solutions across multiple projects in both research and operational contexts

• Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2.5–3 years of full-time, verifiable professional experience.
• Extensive experience working with geospatial datasets and associated technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with numerical modeling for Earth science applications.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong programming background (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar scientific computing languages).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to reason through complex, interdisciplinary problems, including those outside one’s primary area of expertise.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience with proposal development and grant writing.
• Familiarity with AI/ML model development, evaluation, and deployment in scientific or operational environments.

Published Salary (if available):

$88,528 - $94,170

Advertised: Sep 18 2026 Central Daylight Time

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.