2027 PhD Graduate - Computational Geospace Modeling Research Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

This position involves conducting research that combines thermosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling, space weather, scientific software engineering, numerical methods, data assimilation, and high-performance computing. The successful candidate will collaborate with experts in geospace physics, computational science, and operational space-weather research to develop, improve, and apply next-generation geospace models. These models will support both fundamental scientific investigations and sponsor-driven national security applications. Research activities include developing and coupling large-scale numerical models, scientific software engineering, model validation, data assimilation, satellite drag prediction, upper-atmosphere dynamics, and comparisons with satellite and ground-based observations. The role offers opportunities to contribute to research and operational modeling capabilities for NASA, NOAA, DoW, and Intelligence Community sponsors. The candidate should have a proven record of publishing original research, participating in proposal development, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to externally funded research and development programs.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in Physics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline
Demonstrated experience developing, modifying, coupling, or applying first-principles numerical models of the thermosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system or closely related geospace models
Demonstrated experience developing scientific software using Python and one or more compiled programming languages such as Fortran or C++
Demonstrated experience developing software for high-performance computing environments utilizing MPI and parallel computing methodologies
Demonstrated experience validating numerical models using satellite, ground-based, or operational observational datasets
Strong written and oral communication skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and scientific presentations
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary technical teams
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Development, extension, or coupling of community geospace models such as GITM, TIEGCM, SAMI3, IPE, SWMF, Aether, or comparable modeling frameworks
Scientific software architecture, computational physics, numerical methods, or scalable software engineering for large scientific code bases
Model validation, uncertainty quantification, or data assimilation techniques
Satellite drag prediction, neutral density specification, thermospheric dynamics, ionospheric electrodynamics, or upper-atmosphere physics
Development of scalable scientific I/O frameworks and modern HPC software infrastructure
Experience supporting operational or sponsor-driven space-weather modeling activities
Demonstrated success in developing externally funded research programs
Active TS/SCI security clearance

Responsibilities

Develop, extend, and improve first-principles numerical models describing the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system
Develop scientific software, numerical algorithms, and computational infrastructure for scalable high-performance computing environments
Design and implement advanced model coupling strategies, computational workflows, and data assimilation capabilities supporting next-generation geospace modeling systems
Perform and analyze large-scale simulations investigating thermospheric and ionospheric dynamics during disturbed space-weather conditions
Validate numerical models through comparisons with satellite, ground-based, and operational observational datasets
Develop analysis tools and workflows for large scientific datasets
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition advanced research capabilities into sponsor-relevant applications
Present research findings through technical reports, sponsor briefings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
Contribute to the development of innovative research programs and externally sponsored proposals