Space Geodesist Research Associate

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

53d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Laboratories (ARL) at The University of Texas at Austin, located on the Pickle Research Campus, is seeking a Research Associate for the Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL). SGL focuses on research in electromagnetic propagation, geo-positioning, and remote sensing, including monitoring GPS performance, specifying geodetic-quality GPS receivers, and conducting government tests for industry-produced receivers. The Research Associate will provide expertise in precision survey and geodesy, contributing to advancements in these areas through fundamental research and scientific rigor.

Requirements

PhD in geodesy, geophysics, aerospace engineering, physics, earth science, or related field.
Experience developing software in C++ or Python for scientific applications.
One or more years experience developing methods of geodetic data collection and/or data reduction processes.
Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Demonstrated record of presenting scientific content to technical and non-technical audiences.
Dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, highly organized, capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing time.
Attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, and excellent judgment.
Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with various groups of clients.
Able to work under pressure and accept supervision.
Regular and punctual attendance.
US Citizen.
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing global reference frames.
Experience with multi-space geodetic techniques including satellite laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry.
Experience using terrestrial survey instrumentation.
Experience employing metrological tools and techniques for precise spatial measurements.
Experience employing star catalogs and celestial reference frames.
Experience modeling or employing models of geophysical phenomena.
Experience estimating orbits of spacecraft and satellites.
Experience using GNSS hardware and techniques for precise geo-positioning.
Experience processing GNSS carrier phase signals.
Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of results of processing digital receiver data.
Experience with any of the following: software-defined radio, multi-rate signal processing, HF radio, remote sensing, radar, wireless communications, RF signal processing, radio astronomy/interferometry, ionosphere, geodesy, reference frames, orbital mechanics, and digital design.
Experience designing, implementing, and deploying robust scientific software.
Experience employing statistical estimation techniques.
Experience in writing proposals for and leading externally-funded research projects.
Experience with high-performance computing.
Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or similar.
Experience developing on Linux and Windows platforms, including terminal-based environments (bash), version control (Git and GitHub/GitLab), and cloud services (such as AWS).
Proficiency with LaTeX.
Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Responsibilities

Perform high-level independent precision survey and geodesy research relevant to the interests of SGL.
Present and publish research, both internally and externally, including participating in project reviews, technical interface meetings, and publishing in scientific journals.
Contribute to problem formulations, algorithm development, systems designs, software implementations, and collection methods for specialized geodetic survey applications.
Accrue and apply knowledge of global reference frame determination, multi-space geodetic techniques, metrology, geophysical phenomena, orbit determination, GNSS signals, and statistical estimation.
Design experiments and corresponding analyses to gauge systems' performance and develop recommendations for improvements.
Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment.
Work closely with team members to define interfaces between program components.
Document implementations thoroughly and clearly.
Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
Further develop knowledge of geodesy, geodetic survey principles, astronomy, estimation theory, C++ and Python, and software development principles.
Provide guidance and assistance to other full-time employees and student employees.
Provide technical leadership and identify new directions for research.
Other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.