Lead Atmospheric Science & GNSS Research Analyst - 140301

The Lead Atmospheric Science and GNSS Research Analyst supports ongoing efforts to develop and promote state-of-the-art Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation instrumentation for remote sensing for climate and atmospheric science research from airborne platforms. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of GNSS Radio Occultation (RO) for remote sensing of the atmosphere. The incumbent will have the opportunity to assist in the development and implementation of new strategies for RO observations and apply them to advanced research topics in atmospheric and environmental science. Some of the ongoing projects that the candidate will be involved with include using RO observations to improve forecasting of atmospheric rivers and using RO observations to elucidate the properties of atmospheric waves for improving their representation in climate models.

This position will give direction to and provide support on complex issues to entry-level staff, specifically Lab Assistant 1s and undergrad lab staff. The position is expected to provide direction, coaching, and support to research laboratory staff to ensure effective research operations.

The Lead Atmospheric Science and GNSS Research Analyst will utilize programming to analyze data and assist in software development for data collection, processing, and automation. The candidate will manage GNSS instrumentation and be responsible for integrating, testing, operating, and training others to use a range of GNSS equipment and associated hardware. The candidate will assist in software development and operate software for data collection, processing, and analysis, and train junior personnel in its use. This position requires the ability to collaborate on the design and implementation of research experiments that deploy RO sensors from long-duration stratospheric balloons and reconnaissance aircraft to study atmospheric processes, for example, in severe storms, atmospheric rivers, or tropical cyclones.

Experience with the integration of GNSS hardware and signal processing, and familiarity with the use of numerical weather prediction model products, is desired.

Works on research data reporting assignments that are of moderate diversity in scope. Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

• Working skills in analysis and consultation. Working skills in GNSS instrumentation and analysis techniques.

• Working knowledge of research function. Working knowledge of remote sensing techniques such as GNSS radio occultation, background theory and methods. Working knowledge in the analysis of GNSS RO observations or similar techniques that are incorporated into scientific publications.

• Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific graphical representation, scientific writing and experience presenting at scientific conferences (poster, and oral presentations).

• Working skills in statistical analysis, systems programming, database design and data security measures. Demonstrated experience in scientific computing that exploits the advantages of multiple programming languages. Experience with any of the following: MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C, and/or Unix shell scripting.

• Experience training and assisting lower-level laboratory staff incuding Lab Assistants and undergrad employees with diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to provide functional guidance, training, and support to other staff.

• Time and project management experience. Experience prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work within a team framework. Ability to work in conjunction with principles of community (https://ucsd.edu/about/principles.html) in all interactions with staff, faculty, researchers, and students, as well as with external collaborators and the public.

• Interest in learning about topics in electrical engineering, digital signal processing, and spectral analysis techniques to support GNSS raw signal tracking methods and algorithms.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.