Research Associate V

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Department: Earth System Science Center

Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt

Location: Alabama

Categories: Research - Other

The EarthRISE Project Office, within the Lab for Applied Science (LAS) under the Earth System Science Center (ESSC), is seeking a Research Associate to support science teams across EarthRISE and to help contribute to an EarthRISE ARL research initiative across the NASA Earth Science Division (ESD). The position will complement a large and dynamic applied sciences group and, as a member of the EarthRISE Project Office, will provide project and solution management expertise.

This includes supporting solutions development through active communication with NASA HQ and centers; building and maintaining a database of ESD projects with an evaluation and summary of those at Application Readiness Levels (ARL) 8/9; working with both technical and lay staff to reach out to and summarize existing projects and their ARLs; and synthesizing information across the portfolio for internal NASA awareness and reporting.

The incumbent will have knowledge of applied Earth Science, strong project management skills, and a desire to provide leadership and strategic planning to achieve NASA and EarthRISE goals. A strong background in applied Earth Science – including familiarity with satellite remote sensing data products and with federal ARL/TRL frameworks and reporting – together with practical experience coordinating or managing diverse teams is required.

EarthRISE is a project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that works in collaboration with state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to use information provided by Earth observing satellites and geospatial technologies for managing environmental challenges. EarthRISE’s goal is to empower decision‑makers with tools, products, geospatial artificial intelligence, and services to act locally on issues such as disasters, agriculture, water, ecosystems, air quality, and health.

While based in Huntsville, Alabama, the Research Associate will provide project management support across multiple NASA centers, coordinating with NASA research scientists, partners, and subject matter experts to track project status and readiness across the ESD portfolio. The incumbent will also work closely with NASA to effectively represent the EarthRISE Project Office and NASA MSFC in a variety of venues, including with internal NASA stakeholders and at professional conferences and meetings.

The candidate will be expected to maintain professional development activities relevant to their work, as well as to build or refine other skill sets as necessary and required for the position.

The EarthRISE Project Office in Huntsville, AL, offers a flexible and dynamic work environment, with an in‑house team of over 25 science professionals and numerous opportunities for growth and professional development. With a growing economy, diverse population, low cost of living, and vibrant city life, Huntsville is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the U.S.

• Implement project management practices across EarthRISE.
• Support solutions development by maintaining active communication across NASA HQ and centers.
• Leverage background and experience in thought and practice to lead strategic engagement for EarthRISE.
• Regular coordination with Research Scientists, Stakeholders, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Build out a database of ESD projects with an evaluation and summary of Application Readiness Level (ARL) 8/9 projects, including communications with relevant PIs and scientists.
• Work with both technical and lay staff to reach out to and summarize existing projects and their associated ARLs.
• Work with Thematic Science, Cross‑cutting Science, and Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) teams to identify solution needs.
• Communicate frequently within EarthRISE for cross‑sectoral and thematic awareness and reporting, and with NASA HQ, as appropriate.
• Support project coordination, communication, and collaboration with other relevant EarthRISE and broader NASA ESD initiatives.