Global Science & Technology, Inc., a fast growing scientific and high technology firm, is seeking a Remote Sensing Scientist to support the NASA Terrestrial Information Systems Laboratory.

This position is located in Greenbelt, MD. Work assignments will be done remotely until the NASA facility reopens, at which point a hybrid model of onsite and telework each week will likely be put in place.

Position Summary:

GST has an opening for a Research Scientist to support a project related to passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture. Soil moisture is a key hydrologic variable that controls the Earth's water and energy balance. L-band microwave observations provide the optimum all-weather day-night observations to estimate surface soil moisture remotely. Microwave measurements from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission are used along with a variety of ancillary data to estimate soil moisture at various resolutions. This research role involves conducting different analyses to understand the performance of microwave soil moisture retrieval algorithms and to assess the accuracy of the retrieved soil moistures with the ultimate goal of improving microwave retrieval algorithms and soil moisture products.

The work will also include assimilating soil moisture observations in the NASA Land Information System (LIS) to model land surface hydrology. The impact of soil moisture and the added skill for water cycle will be investigated. The value of soil moisture in extreme events (droughts and floods) will be evaluated.

Additionally, the work will include use of land surface observations for agriculture crop modeling. Land surface variables (soil moisture and surface temperature) are critical parameters for crop growth and food security. The use of soil moisture in the NASA LIS system to provide input for crop models will be investigated.

The current L-band radiometers provide a spatial resolution of about 40 km, yet future Earth science needs are anticipated to be in the 1-10 km range for many hydrologic and agricultural applications. Thus, this research opportunity will also include developing methodologies to improve the spatial resolution of accurate soil moisture retrievals from L-band missions in space, and to develop soil moisture products and procedures of value to a variety of applications and end users.

The individual in this role will engage with scientists to define and conduct specific analyses to assess and improve microwave soil moisture retrieval algorithms. The individual will also work with the NASA LIS team on assimilation of soil moisture for various applications.

Primary Duties:

* Develop algorithms for soil moisture and its evaluation.
* Develop vegetation parameters, using observations.
* Develop microwave retrieval algorithms, using observations.
* Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
* Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of remote sensing data.
* Engage with scientists to define and conduct specific analyses to assess and improve microwave soil moisture retrieval algorithms.
* Conduct validation studies to access the accuracy of the retrieved soil moisture with the ultimate goal of improving soil moisture estimates.
* Submit and publish the results in a peer reviewed journal.

Secondary Duties:

* Collaborate with team members to develop software tests
* Participate in team and teleconference meetings, as needed.
* Attend professional conferences or symposiums, as needed.
* Assist outreach and educational activities, as needed.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
* MS degree in remote sensing, electrical engineering, or a relevant scientific discipline
* Research experience in passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture
* Knowledge of basic physical principles involved in microwave remote sensing and/or microwave radiative transfer/electromagnetic theory
* Knowledge of tools and software for the processing and analysis of satellite and/or airborne microwave data
* Knowledge of Land surface hydrology models
* Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications:
* Experience with a range of passive and active microwave sensor systems, different frequencies, and technologies
* Experience with agriculture models
* Experience with electromagnetic modeling for land surface parameters, particularly its implementation in microwave retrieval algorithms.
* Knowledge of tools and software for the processing and analysis of satellite and/or airborne microwave data

GST offers competitive salaries; vacation, sick, and holiday leave; major medical, dental, life, long-term and short-term disability insurance; 401K retirement plan; tuition assistance; and opportunities for employee career growth and development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status. GST is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.