Physicist (IS-1310-12)

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is the position of Atmospheric Physicist in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The employee will perform research on atmospheric composition measurements, including aerosols and trace gases from Earth satellites’ observations. The employee will be part of a research group working on the design, development and implementation of software for atmospheric measurements and on the application of the measurements for scientific studies. The software will involve advanced algorithms for generation of data products for aerosols, gases, and clouds from UV/visible spectra. Research includes data analysis and sensitivity studies for satellite observations, especially for TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) and its synergistic missions.

Requirements

Basic Requirements
A) Degree in physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics;
or
B) Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the Basic Requirements above, you must have:
a) One year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to grade 11 level work in the Federal government. The experience would have included operating with wide latitude for independent judgment, performing complex analysis in the field of aerosol / trace gas remote sensing, and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
OR
Education for Grade 12: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
OR
Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
Knowledge of Fortran 90/95, Python, IDL, MATLAB, shell script, and Linux operating systems
Knowledge of scientific software development
Experience in the concepts, principles and practices of atmospheric science or a related field, as evidenced by a PhD
Experience in developing operational retrieval algorithms for satellites, especially Geostationary
Knowledge of mathematics and physics of satellite remote sensing
Knowledge of radiative transfer
Skill in developing new software, modifying existing programs, and designing, coding, testing, and maintaining complex programs
Demonstrated ability to present in conferences/meetings and publish in peer-reviewed papers.
Skill in oral and written communication as evidenced by refereed journal publications and scientific presentations
Expertise in aerosol and trace gas retrieval, evaluation, and analysis.

Responsibilities

Define scientific and system requirements to develop and evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms, especially for aerosols and trace gases. This will involve implementing retrieval algorithms for remote sensing of atmospheric constituents, testing software, improving algorithm, and assessing result.
Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing programs for retrieval and application of satellite data products.
Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, radiative transfer, chemical transport modeling, tropospheric chemistry, and spectroscopy.
Prepare refereed publications and present results at professional meetings.
Contribute to the enhancement or enrichment of the research portfolio of the atmospheric measurement group at SAO through innovative retrieval method, science application, or modeling for satellite observations.

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