[Hiring] Polarimeter Research Scientist @Analytical Mechanics Associates

Role Description

AMA is seeking a remote, part‑time Polarimeter Research Scientist to support NASA Langley Research Center in advancing next‑generation remote sensing capabilities for upcoming NASA Earth science missions. This role is ideal for candidates with strong analytical skills, experience in radiative transfer and machine learning, and a passion for developing operational retrieval algorithms for spaceborne and airborne instruments.

The selected candidate will collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers to develop operational retrieval algorithms for passive polarimeter and active lidar instruments. This work directly supports the NASA PolCube CubeSat polarimeter mission and the NASA Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission.

This is a part-time position averaging 15 hours a week. Pay rate is $29.80-$39.42 commensurate with education and experience.

• Conducting scenario‑based analyses and developing software to transform polarimetric and lidar simulations into an autonomous, AI‑driven operational retrieval system
• Advancing and optimizing radiative transfer models and simulators
• Applying scientific machine learning techniques to aerosol, ocean, and trace‑gas retrievals
• Leading and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications and presenting at scientific meetings.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related technical or scientific field
• Programming experience developing and implementing remote sensing algorithms in Fortran and Python
• Experience with model development, numerical analysis, neural networks, and machine learning techniques
• Ability to work independently and within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to contribute to peer‑reviewed publications and present at local and global science conferences

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with large scientific datasets
• Strong understanding of configuration management and proficiency with Git/GitHub/GitLab

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Substantial benefits package, including but not limited to:
• Paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave
• Salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting
• Tuition reimbursement
• Short/long term disability plans
• A variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options