Senior Scientist — Collaboration Lead

FedWriters, Inc.•College Park, MD

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

FWI is building a team to provide professional program science support services to NOAA's Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) CoastWatch/OceanWatch/PolarWatch Program. As the Senior Scientist for Science Collaboration, Coordination, and Transition, you will lead the assessment and transition of Regional and Thematic Node products, build and manage science collaborations with NOAA Line Offices, identify opportunities for new satellite data products and partnerships, and publish peer-reviewed research documenting collaborative outcomes. FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. Position is contingent upon contract award

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience)
Knowledge of NOAA missions relevant to CoastWatch and its partner Line Offices
Scientific understanding of satellite data applications in water quality monitoring, coastal resilience, fisheries management, weather, extreme events, human health and safety, and related areas
Exceptional presentation skills and stakeholder engagement skills with obvious and demonstrable substantive experience
Established record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or higher
Practical experience in ocean remote sensing
Hands-on experience with secure access protocols, core cloud services (S3, EC2, VPC, IAM), and AI/ML applications
Experience working collaboratively as part of blended teams of federal employees, cooperative institute employees, and contractor personnel

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate operational products across CoastWatch Regional and Thematic Nodes for transition to CoastWatch at STAR, to OSPO, or for offboarding as a CoastWatch responsibility
Develop transition plans for selected products and implement approved transitions in coordination with STAR science teams, Line Offices, and Node partners
Build and maintain science collaborations with NOAA Line Offices (NWS, NMFS, NOS, OAR, OMAO) and other appropriate partners
Identify opportunities for new products and services and recommend highest priorities under limited resource constraints
Develop new satellite data products and services in collaboration with Line Offices, STAR science teams, and other collaborators
Publish peer-reviewed journal articles documenting collaborative research projects and transition products
Produce publications, posters, and meeting presentations on CoastWatch products and scientific outcomes
Leverage AI to improve the performance and efficiency of products and services
Minimal travel may be required to support CoastWatch program needs