Research Scientist II

The SERVIR Science Coordination Office (SCO) is seeking a highly motivated water resources Research Scientist II with applied experience with hydrologic modeling and remote sensing/geospatial datasets to join our Water Security thematic team. The Research Scientist will play a key role in the team by co-developing geospatial datasets and/or robust, predictive models and delivering innovative scientific breakthroughs to decision makers. The Research Scientist will also be responsible for supporting the thematic lead in expanding the applied research portfolio of SERVIR’s Water Security thematic area. A successful candidate will have a strong background in the fields of hydrology, remote sensing, and machine learning algorithms. As part of our diverse, highly dynamic group, you will work side-by-side with a team of exceptional scientists with diverse backgrounds to translate water science into actionable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders, while fostering your career growth and development. Domestic and international travel may be required for this position.

SERVIR is a joint development initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and works in partnership with leading regional organizations worldwide to help developing countries use the information provided by Earth-observing satellites and geospatial technologies for managing climate risks and land use. SERVIR’s goal is to empower decision-makers with tools, products, and services to act locally on climate-sensitive issues such as disasters, agriculture, water, ecosystems, air quality, and health.

The SERVIR SCO in Huntsville offers a flexible and dynamic work environment, with an in-house team of over 30 science professionals and numerous opportunities for growth and professional development. With a growing economy, diverse population, low cost of living, and vibrant city life, Huntsville is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the U.S.

Duties / Responsibilities
• Provide science and technical expertise in water resources and related thematic area(s).
• Provide coordination support for data, products, and services co-developed with SERVIR’s international network or partner organizations.
• Design, coordinate, contribute to, and conduct technical trainings, workshops, and technical exchanges with domestic and international partners
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Contribute to special journal issues and data products/services. Present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to program communication, reporting, and outreach.

● Master’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Earth Science, Geosciences, Environmental science, Engineering, Geography, or other highly quantitative discipline) or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience
● Minimum 12 - 21 months of full-time verifiable work experience
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Passion for applied research and for translating science into action on the ground.
● Demonstrated ability to apply hydrologic models, Earth Observation datasets, statistical methods and/or data science to real world problems
● Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with processing and analyzing large geospatial datasets, assessing the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques
● Skilled in the use of Python or other programming language for research, data analysis, and/or modeling.
● Awareness and basic understanding of working with cloud technologies.
● Experience in Earth Observation driven methods and models including running, calibrating, and applying hydrologic/hydraulic and land surface models
● Earth science geospatial data analysis experience, including math, statistical & scientific data processing automation, and raster data processing of temporal datasets
● Record of publication commensurate with level of experience
● Willingness to work closely with others in diverse team environments
● Ability to manage science products and applications in international settings, and to travel to international locations for trainings and collaborative meetings.
● Cultural awareness and sensitivity pertinent to diverse SERVIR regions.

● Ph.D. in Hydrology, Water Resources, Earth Science, Geosciences, Environmental science, Engineering, Geography, or other highly quantitative discipline
● Preferred minimum of 2+ years experience working in Hydrology, Water Resources, Earth Science, Geosciences, Environmental science, Engineering, or Geography
● Experience working with NASA and/ or other Federal agencies

$67,151 - $89,611