Lead Research Scientist

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a highly talented and motivated ocean color data analyst to support NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the analysis of (1) aquatic optical and biogeochemical measurements including data processing of in situ optical properties; (2) development and validation of ocean color remote sensing algorithms; and (3) processing and analysis of satellite and airborne remote sensing data. This is an onsite position located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.  The ocean color data analyst research assistant/associate supports research directed at understanding diurnal to interannual aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystem dynamics on regional scales.  The analyst will process and analyze in situ aquatic optical properties and biogeochemical measurements to develop and apply ocean color remote sensing algorithms of inherent optical properties, particulate organic carbon, phytoplankton pigments, physiology and community composition, and turbidity across river mouth-estuary-sea systems along the coastal Arctic, Gulf of Mexico, and other regions using ocean color remote sensing data and field measurements. Project objectives include (1) development, refinement and validation of algorithms to retrieve these data products, (2) processing and analysis of remote sensing data to examine diurnal to interannual variability of aquatic biogeochemical processes, and (3) to quantify carbon fluxes from rivers to coastal ocean. The research will emphasize the aquatic carbon cycle and the interactions and feedbacks between biological, chemical, and physical processes.     Duties of the Optics Research Assistant Perform data processing from raw optical field measurements to final data products (e.g., spectral absorption coefficients, backscatter coefficients, and remote sensing reflectance) along with quantification of measurement uncertainties. Assemble and analyze aquatic optical and biogeochemical measurements. Development and refinement of remote sensing algorithms utilizing advanced methods to incorporate hyperspectral observations. Provide support for preparation of reports and publication of results in peer-reviewed journals. Develop and document scripts required to accomplish duties. Participate in scientific meetings and workshops. 

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. in data science, oceanography, physical sciences, or closely related science/engineering discipline (or B.S. plus three years of related experience) 
• Strong computer programming skills, including Python, MATLAB, and other programming languages and software tools. 
• Experience with optical instrumentation, especially those used to collect measurements of aquatic radiometry and inherent optical properties. 
• Knowledge and research experience in oceanography and ocean color satellite or airborne remote sensing 
• Good problem-solving skills; attention to detail; ability to learn quickly, to work efficiently and independently.  
• Competence in data extraction, reduction and processing from specialized research instrumentation.  
• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• US Permanent Residency or US Citizenship required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in data science, oceanography, physical sciences, or closely related science/engineering discipline (less than two years since Ph.D.; or M.S. plus two years of related experience) 
• Excellent programming skills; experience with Python, MATLAB and other programming languages and software tools 
• Experience in handling large data sets Knowledge of data science tools and methodology. 
• Experience in processing satellite and/or airborne remote sensing observations 
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse and distributed team. 
• Excellent communication skills.  
• Expertise with optical instruments used to collect measurements of aquatic radiometry and inherent optical properties and processing data collected by those instruments. 
• Experience with image processing. 

EOE, including disability/vets

Physical Requirements:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.