Research Scientist

Department: College of Science

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: True

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences (AOES) at George Mason University in the College of Science advances the understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere through cutting-edge research and education. Focuses on studying atmospheric processes, ocean dynamics, and geological phenomena to address critical issues related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural hazards. By fostering interdisciplinary research and providing comprehensive academic programs, the AOES aims to equip students and researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex environmental challenges and contribute to the scientific community and society at large.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. Prioritizes inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

The primary purpose of the position is to lead research on air quality forecasting and various air quality modeling and its practical applications. The Research Scientist engages in projects on real-time air quality forecasting, data assimilation, and dust storm air quality forecasting, and emission modeling.

Responsibilities:

Conducts Advanced Research

• Develops and enhances air quality forecasting models to predict pollutant concentrations across various regions. This involves integrating meteorological data, emissions inventories, and chemical transport models to improve prediction accuracy; and
• Provide timely and reliable forecasts that inform public health advisories and policy decisions.

Analyzes Emissions Data

• Analyzes emissions data from the official U.S. EPA’s national emissions inventory (NEI) including various sources, such as transportation, industrial activities, and natural events (e.g., dust storm and fires), to understand their contributions to air quality. This analysis is conducted using advanced statistical methods and modeling techniques to identify trends, sources, and patterns of pollution. 

Develops and Implements Modeling Tools

• Creates and implements advanced tools and software for air quality modeling, including emissions processing systems and chemical transport models. This involves coding, testing, and validating models against observational data to ensure accuracy and reliability; and
• Enhance the technical capabilities of the research team and provide robust tools for forecasting and scenario analysis.

Supports Principal Investigators

• Contributes to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications by providing technical expertise on air quality modeling and forecasting. This includes writing sections on methodology, expected outcomes, and the significance of the research; and
• Secure funding for ongoing and future projects and to support the principal investigators in achieving their research objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Five (5) years or longer experiences in atmospheric sciences; and
• Knowledge of Fortran, Python, R program language skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Community Multiscale Air Quality program (CMAQ), Sparse Matrix Operator Kerner Emissions program (SMOKE), Data Assimilation, and other modeling skillsets.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with CV for review.

Posting Open Date: October 4, 2024

Posting Close Date: October 18, 2024

Open Until Filled:  Yes