What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist position at George Mason University?
Department: College of Science
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About The Department
The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) advances Earth system science through cutting-edge satellite technology, data-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We deliver policy-relevant insights that enhance environmental resilience, support sustainable development, and empower the next generation of scientific leaders through meaningful research and mentorship. As a national leader in remote sensing, we provide reliable early warning systems that inform the public, save lives, and strengthen global resilience.
Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About The Position
The primary purpose of this Research Scientist position is to take a role of code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL’s model and tool repository. The Research Scientist will also conduct the developmental and testing work for the atmospheric composition models.
Responsibilities
Leads Research in Air Quality Forecasting and Modeling
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About The Department
The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) advances Earth system science through cutting-edge satellite technology, data-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We deliver policy-relevant insights that enhance environmental resilience, support sustainable development, and empower the next generation of scientific leaders through meaningful research and mentorship. As a national leader in remote sensing, we provide reliable early warning systems that inform the public, save lives, and strengthen global resilience.
Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About The Position
The primary purpose of this Research Scientist position is to take a role of code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL’s model and tool repository. The Research Scientist will also conduct the developmental and testing work for the atmospheric composition models.
Responsibilities
Leads Research in Air Quality Forecasting and Modeling
- Designs, implements, and manages research projects focused on regional and urban-scale air quality forecasting; and
- Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate modeling outputs into operational decision-making systems.
- Applies machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance traditional chemical transport modeling systems;
- Improves prediction accuracy and computational efficiency through fine-resolution data fusion, bias correction, and model surrogate development; and
- Conducts experiments comparing AI-enhanced models with conventional methods and validate performance under various atmospheric scenarios.
- Prepares manuscripts for submission to high-impact, peer-reviewed journals in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or AI applications;
- Presents research findings at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings; and
- Contributes to proposal development for external research funding, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, and EPA.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field;
- Considerable experience (generally 5 years or longer) in atmospheric sciences; and
- Knowledge of Fortran, Python, R, Database (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite), Shell program language skills.
- Knowledge of Community Multiscale Air Quality program (CMAQ), Sparse Matrix Operator Kerner Emissions program (SMOKE), Data Assimilation, Surrogate Tools, and other modeling skillsets.
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/