What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist - Atmospheric Science and Data Assimilation position at ERT?
Position Description
ERT is seeking a Research Scientist with experience in Data Assimilation of Upper Atmospheric Observations in NASA Assimilation Models to support work on the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) consortium at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
This position focuses on data assimilation in the middle and upper atmosphere, as part of research conducted with the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), in close collaboration with the Ionosphere, Thermosphere and Mesosphere Lab in the Heliophysics Division. Research in the GMAO emphasizes use of satellite observations to address questions that include weather analysis and prediction. Global ocean, ice, land-surface and atmosphere models are developed as components of assimilation and forecast systems, as well as for addressing the weather and climate research questions identified in NASA’s science mission. Research includes topics such as the generation and analysis of comprehensive model-based analyses that support studies of variability and change.
The work contributes to a major project between the Earth and Heliophysics Science Divisions at NASA GSFC, which is developing an analysis and prediction system that extends from the surface of Earth to the edge of space. The work of the successful candidate is expected to be fully integrated with GMAO development and will support the design and concept development of future NASA space missions. The work will focus on ingestion of NASA and other high-altitude past and current observations describing both neutral and ionospheric properties that will require development of new observation operators for previously unused data types. The successful candidate will work in an exciting environment that crosses between neutral atmosphere physics to electrodynamic interactions.
Completed applications received by January 24, 2026 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled. The successful candidate will join the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports over 140 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic Earth Science mission objectives.
Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a 3-page statement of research interests.
Required Qualifications:
PhD in Atmospheric Science or Data Assimilation, related discipline, or equivalent years’ experience.
Location
Work is to be completed on-site at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. Some remote work hours will be considered.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $46,000 - 221,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including the location, scope, and associated responsibilities of the specific position, as well as a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:
ERT is seeking a Research Scientist with experience in Data Assimilation of Upper Atmospheric Observations in NASA Assimilation Models to support work on the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) consortium at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
This position focuses on data assimilation in the middle and upper atmosphere, as part of research conducted with the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), in close collaboration with the Ionosphere, Thermosphere and Mesosphere Lab in the Heliophysics Division. Research in the GMAO emphasizes use of satellite observations to address questions that include weather analysis and prediction. Global ocean, ice, land-surface and atmosphere models are developed as components of assimilation and forecast systems, as well as for addressing the weather and climate research questions identified in NASA’s science mission. Research includes topics such as the generation and analysis of comprehensive model-based analyses that support studies of variability and change.
The work contributes to a major project between the Earth and Heliophysics Science Divisions at NASA GSFC, which is developing an analysis and prediction system that extends from the surface of Earth to the edge of space. The work of the successful candidate is expected to be fully integrated with GMAO development and will support the design and concept development of future NASA space missions. The work will focus on ingestion of NASA and other high-altitude past and current observations describing both neutral and ionospheric properties that will require development of new observation operators for previously unused data types. The successful candidate will work in an exciting environment that crosses between neutral atmosphere physics to electrodynamic interactions.
Completed applications received by January 24, 2026 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled. The successful candidate will join the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports over 140 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic Earth Science mission objectives.
Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a 3-page statement of research interests.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to code in Python and other environments
- Experience running complex systems in high-performance computing systems
- Experience using upper atmospheric observations and (ideally) knowledge of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) data assimilation tools
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to access the applicable government facility/systems.
PhD in Atmospheric Science or Data Assimilation, related discipline, or equivalent years’ experience.
Location
Work is to be completed on-site at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. Some remote work hours will be considered.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $46,000 - 221,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including the location, scope, and associated responsibilities of the specific position, as well as a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:
- Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
- 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Basic Life & Supplemental Life
- Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
- Skills Development & Certifications
- Professional Membership Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Competitive compensation plan
- Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
- Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses
Salary : $46,000 - $221,000