Postdoctoral Research Scientist Position: High Resolution Aerosol Modeling

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Position

Postdoctoral Research Scientist Position: High Resolution Aerosol Modeling

Employer

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

This position is administratively supported by UMBC and the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports over 140 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic Earth Science mission objectives.

Goddard’s Earth Science Division is home to about 200 civil servants and over 1200 collaborating researchers and support personnel, dedicated to studying the Earth as an integrated system that includes the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere. The Division operates as a component of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate that collaborate on interdisciplinary research with the Astrophysics Science, Heliophysics Science, and Solar System Exploration Divisions.

Homepage: https://gestar2.umbc.edu/

Location

Greenbelt, MD, United States of America

Sector

Academic

Type

Full time

Level

Entry level

Salary

Open

Preferred Education

PhD

Application deadline

Open until the position is filled

Posted

6 April 2026

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist Position: High Resolution Aerosol Modeling

Candidates are sought for a postdoctoral or similar position in aerosol model evaluation based at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The position is under the supervision of Dr. Allison Collow, an associate research scientist working on improving the representation of aerosols within the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. Research will be conducted in support of NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) in conjunction with the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) consortium. The GMAO uses advanced modeling and data assimilation techniques within the GEOS model to enhance NASA’s Earth observations, support future suborbital and space-borne missions, and conduct research aligning with NASA’s science priorities.

Highly-motivated early-career scientists with a background in atmospheric science or a closely related science/engineering discipline are encouraged to apply.

Research will focus on model evaluation of the aerosol lifecycle, including emission, transport, and loss processes, in a stretched grid configuration of GEOS with high spatial resolution over the United States. This NASA-funded project will make use of satellite, airborne, and surface based observational datasets to assess aerosol processes and make recommendations for future improvements within the model. Emphases will be placed on the representation of convective scavenging and wet deposition of aerosol particles within GEOS as well as the emission and transport of dust along a gradient in the model spatial resolution.

This is a grant-funded position. Continued funding is possible based on availability and performance. Work will be completed onsite at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, with telework options available.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science or closely related science/engineering discipline
• Programming skills and experience
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Skills

• PhD in related field
• Experience with Python, Fortran, and software versioning with Git

This position is administratively supported by UMBC and the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports over 140 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic Earth Science mission objectives.

Goddard’s Earth Science Division is home to about 200 civil servants and over 1200 collaborating researchers and support personnel, dedicated to studying the Earth as an integrated system that includes the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere. The Division operates as a component of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate that collaborate on interdisciplinary research with the Astrophysics Science, Heliophysics Science, and Solar System Exploration Divisions.

The nominal starting date is mid-to-late 2026, but alternate dates are possible depending on availability.

Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a 3-page statement of research interests. Short-listed candidates will be asked to supply three letters of reference at a later date. All materials and inquiries should be sent by email with the Subject line: Postdoctoral Researcher Position to: Allison Collow (allison.collow@nasa.gov).

Completed applications received by May 29, 2026 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. UMBC and the GESTAR II consortium is committed to building a diverse research community and encourages applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. All GESTAR II institutions are Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employers. As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.

How to apply

Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a 3-page statement of research interests. Short-listed candidates will be asked to supply three letters of reference at a later date. All materials and inquiries should be sent by email with the Subject line: Postdoctoral Researcher Position to: Allison Collow (allison.collow@nasa.gov).

Completed applications received by May 29, 2026 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled.

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