Research Scientist

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

The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) advances

Earth system science through cutting-edge satellite technology,data-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Wedeliver policy-relevant insights that enhance environmentalresilience, 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.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliationthroughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values includecultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging,respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures,and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growthto an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsivenessin academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we striveto attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Sciencemission and vision.

The primary purpose of this Research Scientist position is to takea role of code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL’s model and toolrepository. The Research Scientist will also conduct the developmental and testing work for the atmospheric compositionmodels.

• Designs, implements, and manages research projects focused on regional and urban-scale air quality forecasting; and
• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to integratemodeling outputs into operational decision-making systems.

• Applies machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance traditional chemical transport modelingsystems;
• Improves prediction accuracy and computational efficiencythrough fine-resolution data fusion, bias correction, and modelsurrogate development; and
• Conducts experiments comparing AI-enhanced models withconventional methods and validate performance under variousatmospheric 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 internationalscientific 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) inatmospheric 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.

Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the large stand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

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 orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/