Applications are now being accepted for a short-term postbaccalaureate position to support the Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The position is funded by Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) through The Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) consortium.
The Biospheric Sciences Laboratory studies terrestrial ecosystems and their interactions with the atmosphere using multiscale remote sensing, mathematical modeling, and advanced analytical techniques. This research allows Laboratory scientists to characterize and predict environmental changes due to natural and anthropogenic processes at local to global scale.
The available position is situated within a cooperative science team, and primarily involves the development of a database and scientific software to solve challenges in a hybrid operational and research scientific environment. The candidate can expect to work in NASA cloud- and super-computing environments and on traditional Linux clusters. Tasks include developing and maintaining online platforms, websites, database systems, and web applications for distributing and visualizing datasets from multiple sources and interacting with external partner data systems.
Candidates should be soon or recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a scientific or engineering discipline. We encourage applicants who are considering applying to a graduate program in the near future, and who wish to expand their research experience in the interim to apply.
Successful candidates will have significant experience in programming gained in project or laboratory work, specifically in an interpreted, open-source language such as python. In addition:
- Proficiency in design, execution, and maintenance of datasets.
- Intermediate proficiency in coding and website development.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and communicate effectively in writing.
- Experience working with large satellite data sets is a plus.
To apply, each applicant should send a Curriculum Vitae, unofficial transcript, and contact information for two references to Halley Thompson (halleyt@umbc.edu). An optional cover letter describing personal background and interest in the project is encouraged. After applications are reviewed, additional support materials may be requested which may include a work sample in the form of a report, poster, journal article, writing sample, or coding examples.
Applications received by Friday, September 29, 2023, will receive best consideration but the position will remain available until filled.
This is a full-time position working on-site at NASA/GSFC for 40 hours/week. Salary is set at $45,000. The desired start date is October 2023, with an initial employment term of 1 year that may be extended for 1 additional year contingent on performance and availability of funds. Financial assistance for relocation expenses is possible and can be discussed as part of the onboarding process.
For information on GESTAR II or SURA, contact Carolyn Wilson (cwilson@sura.org). SURA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V.