DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Earth Section of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses research in the Cecil H. & Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) and the Geosciences Research Division (GRD). Research in IGPP spans a broad range of topics in geophysics including seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and crustal deformation, geomorphology, planetary physics, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, oceanography and electrical methods. The Cecil and Ida Green IGPP is recognized internationally as an outstanding research and teaching institution in geophysics with focus on maintaining modern infrastructure for conducting research including buildings, computer networks, computing mass storage, seagoing instrumentation, communications and global observatories. Research in GRD embraces atmospheric, marine and solid earth chemistry, cosmochemistry, paleoceanography and paleoclimate, stratigraphy, geobiology and paleoecology, hydrogeology, global and regional tectonics, and paleomagnetism. Researchers in IGPP and GRD collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps leads research in climate change impacts and adaptation, resilience to hazards, conservation and biodiversity, oceans and human health, national security, and innovative technology to observe the planet.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Research Analyst 3 supports ongoing efforts to develop and promote state-of-the-art Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) radio occultation instrumentation for remote sensing for climate and atmospheric science research from airborne platforms. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of GNSS signals and analysis to support Radio Occultation (RO) for remote sensing of the atmosphere. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop and implement new strategies for RO observations and apply them to advanced research topics in atmospheric and environmental science. Some of the ongoing projects that the candidate will be involved with include using RO observations to improve the forecasting of atmospheric rivers and using RO observations to elucidate the properties of atmospheric waves to improve their representation in climate models.

Manages a growing GNSS instrumentation lab, and be responsible for integrating, testing, operating, and supervising the use of a range of GNSS equipment and associated hardware. Develops and operates software for data collection, processing, and analysis and train junior personnel in its use. Requires the ability to design and implement experiments that deploy RO sensors for research from long-duration stratospheric balloons and reconnaissance aircraft to study atmospheric processes, for example in severe storms, atmospheric rivers, or tropical cyclones. This position will require strong programming skills to analyze data and develop software for data collection, processing, and automation.

While this position is specific to research in GNSS radio occultation, candidates with a desire to learn new techniques and have comparable experience in physics, optics, and other remote sensing techniques will be considered. The position will assist in training and supervising the work of junior scientists with diverse backgrounds. We highly encourage women and individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in science to apply. A statement of experience and commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Science, Physics, Optics, or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• Experience in analysis and consultation. Thorough knowledge of GNSS instrumentation and analysis techniques.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. Thorough knowledge of remote sensing techniques such as GNSS radio occultation, background theory and methods, geometric optics, and electromagnetic wave propagation. Experience in achieving results involving the analysis of GNSS RO observations or similar techniques that are incorporated into scientific publications.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Expertise in scientific computing that exploits advantages of multiple programming languages. Mastery of at least two of the following is required: Matlab, python, Fortran, C, and/or Unix shell scripting.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. Research skills at a level to develop and evaluate alternate solutions for data analysis and develop new recommendations for instrumentation, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.

• Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific graphical representation, scientific writing, and experience presenting at scientific conferences (poster, and oral presentations).

• Experience in project management. Strong time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to supervise, train, and delegate work to junior scientists with diverse backgrounds.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• The job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.Proper work authorization is required.