Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: College of Science

Classification: Post Doc 12 month

Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty

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

About the Department:

In line with Mason’s Carnegie Classification as a Research I University (R1), the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences (AOES) at George Mason University focuses on being a prominent center for translational research. Faculty and students in the department conduct high quality, rigorous research on pressing problems, and work to disseminate knowledge in both academic and non-academic circles. The department offers undergraduate degrees in Geology and Atmospheric Sciences, M.S. degrees in Earth Systems Science and Climate Science, and a Ph.D. in Climate Dynamics. The faculty includes geologists, atmospheric scientists, paleontologists, and oceanographers. Additional information about the department may be found at: https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/atmospheric-oceanic-earth-sciences.

Statement on Building an All-Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow contributes to research to operation project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Weather Service (NWS) initiative. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow designs analysis methods to evaluate the UFS ‘s ability to predict extreme events.

The purpose of the project is to evaluate the biases and skill of the sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasts generated with the UFS prototypes.

Responsibilities:

• Contributes to research to operation project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Weather Service (NWS) initiative. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the biases and skill of the sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasts generated with the UFS prototypes;
• Designs analysis methods to evaluate the UFS ‘s ability to predict extreme events;
• Evaluates the forecasts skill of extreme events predicted by UFS following the operational requirements;
• Manuscript preparation, revisions and publication; and
• Collaborates with the NCEP’s Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) and Climate Prediction Center scientists in the design of numerical experiments. 

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Earned a doctorate in atmospheric sciences, climate dynamics, oceanography, or a closely related field to apply for this position prior to the first day of employment;
• Some experience in analyzing the subseasonal-to-seasonal variability of the climate system;
• Demonstrate experience in Python code development; and
• Knowlege of programming skills including Python code development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrate experience in writing peer-reviewed publications;
• Demonstrate experience in managing and processing large data sets; and
• Writing and presentation skills as exemplified by publications and presentations record.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and updated CV for review.

Posting Open Date: October 9, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  March 9, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes