Research Associate II

Purpose of the Position

We are currently seeking a Research Associate II, Step 1, to provide support to NASA Earth Action science and application activities related to applications/product development, scripting, and analysis of optical, thermal, and synthetic aperture radar remote sensing data. Experience with Python, working with Earth Observation data, and a strong understanding of remote sensing concepts are strongly desired. The position will be located at the National Space Science & Technology Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and will support the scientific development and application of satellite remote sensing products.

• Leverage expertise in optical and SAR remote sensing data and Python to conduct research related to natural hazards and to contribute to high‑level team deliverables, including peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and end‑user engagement activities.
• Develop solutions based on end‑user needs and capabilities through remote sensing and GIS techniques to enhance disaster response, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery for hazards such as floods, fires, and severe storms.
• Implement data processing algorithms in Jupyter notebooks or Google Colab, accessing multisensor NASA Earth observations to create Level 2 and Level 3 data products, and contribute to GUI interface development to disseminate data products.
• Support agenda development and the synthesis of technical discussions with end‑users and project collaborators.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with remote sensing, earth observation/satellite data analysis, atmospheric & land surface modeling, environmental monitoring, Python programming, and GIS.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Expertise in implementing structured workflows for geospatial data products.
• Familiarity with meteorological and/or natural resource concepts and common types of Earth science applications, such as hazards/disaster scenarios and natural resource management.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

• A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience with Linux, working with optical, thermal remote sensing, and synthetic aperture radar data, different data and image formats, knowledge of machine learning/artificial intelligence, and knowledge of AWS/cloud computing is desired.
• Advanced knowledge of meteorological and/or natural resource concepts and common types of Earth science applications, including hazards/disaster concepts such as severe storms, flooding, tropical cyclones, fires, and/or earthquakes, or natural resource concepts such as forest monitoring, phenology change detection and monitoring, and land cover/land use change, is desired.
• Experience with scientific writing is preferred.
• Experience working on both in‑person and hybrid collaborative teams is preferred.

$46,350 - $50,406

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.