306 - Support Scientist - Develop/Validate Aerosol Algorithms & Products

"Candidates must be US citizens or green card holders and have established residency in the US for the past three (3) years."

We are seeking a talented and motivated Atmospheric Scientist to join our dynamic team focused on developing and validating atmospheric aerosol algorithms and products. In this role, you will play a crucial part in advancing our understanding of aerosol processes, improving algorithms, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our aerosol-related products. Work as part of a team supporting NOAA scientists to develop, maintain, and validate algorithms for sensing aerosols, water vapor, and trace gases from satellites. Trace gases may include NO2, SO2, and O3 and sensors may include polar and geostationary NOAA and NOAA-partner satellites.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and technical expertise on the retrieval and/or analysis of aerosol products from METimage and the Multi-viewing, Multi-channel, Multi-polarization Imager (3MI) onboard the polar-orbiting METOP-SG satellites.
• Support the development of algorithms for retrieving aerosol optical depth from observations from advanced Imagers onboard the GOES-R, Himawari, and Meteosat Third Generation series geostationary satellites.
• Explore the potential synergistic use of aerosol products (aerosol optical depth, size distribution, single scattering albedo, particle shape) derived from space-based polarimeters like 3MI and those from NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem mission to improve imager-based aerosol optical depth products.
• Explore other ways to improve the quality of products and/or efficiency of retrievals, for example, by applying Machine Learning.
• Interact with the user community, especially air quality and climate; provide information on the quality of available aerosol products and understand user requirements.
• Prepare or assist in preparing technical reports and presentations to communicate project progress. Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Contingency Note:

This position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract. While we are optimistic about the outcome, the final confirmation of the position is subject to contract approval. Next Phase is a member of the incumbent team.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree (PhD preferred) in Atmospheric Science (PREFERRED), Earth Science, Geophysics, or Environmental Science.
• Five (5) years of experience in remote sensing, atmospheric sciences, or a related field is required.
• Knowledge of and experience in high-level programming languages such as C++, Fortran, and Python is necessary.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills and demonstrated experience writing scientific and technical documents are essential.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills are also required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current, specific methods used for satellite retrievals of aerosol properties and current aerosol products.
• Experience with the application of Machine Learning and artificial intelligence.
• Familiarity with scientific data formats such as netCDF, HDF, and EOS-HDF.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be US citizens or green card holders and have established residency in the US for the past three (3) years. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Additional Information about this opening:

• Employees of Next Phase shall, as an enduring obligation throughout their term of employment, adhere to all information security requirements as documented in company policies and procedures
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, with three days in the office per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and two days working remotely
• We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities for advancement and exposure to exciting projects and initiatives
• This position is suited for candidates within commuting distance to Columbia, MD and not eligible for a fully remote schedule
• As a healthcare and science research company, Next Phase embraces the recommendations from the CDC on vaccine use. Unless qualified for a religious or medical exemption, employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
• We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and professional growth and development opportunities. If you meet the above requirements and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please submit your application for consideration.
• The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only, not a compensation or salary guarantee. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other laws.

ABOUT NEXT PHASE SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES, INC.

Innovation. It's What Defines Us.

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. provides insights and solutions for healthcare, engineering, and science research. Next Phase commits to creating an environment where our employees achieve their full potential, increase productivity, and expand their professional and personal horizons. We look for bright, innovative people who achieve results, understand the importance of being productive and supportive team members, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Next Phase leadership is looking for new leaders, scientific and technical subject matter experts, and technically savvy people interested in putting forth the effort and commitment needed to grow our company.

Will you join us to share in the success?

Benefits

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS

• Choose from three medical healthcare plans.
• Dental and Vision Insurance plans.
• Enjoy a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA), and a company-sponsored Wellness Program.

PERSONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS

• Next Phase offers life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance, all paid for by the company.

PAID LEAVE

• Employees receive competitive paid time off, including 11 holidays and maternity leave for recovering mothers.

RETIREMENT

• Next Phase contributes 5% to a 401K plan without requiring employee contributions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Employees can be reimbursed for professional development expenses such as classes, books, technical certification/testing fees, professional dues/subscriptions, and professional licenses required for their position.

PET INSURANCE

• You have two options to ensure the happiness and health of your pets.

COMPETITIVE BONUS PROGRAM

• At Next Phase, we believe in sharing our success with the employees who make it happen!

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

"EOE, including disability/vets"

"APPLICANTS HAVE RIGHTS UNDER FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS"

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION IS ILLEGAL

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)

PAY TRANSPARENCY

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT

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JOB SAFETY AND HEALTH: IT'S THE LAW!

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NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you are a person with a disability requiring assistance with the electronic submission process, please contact us at [email protected]

Our ADA Process Steps include:

1. Initiate Communication:

Our dedicated HR representatives promptly reach out to applicants to discuss their specific needs and explore how we can support them throughout the application process.

2. Offer Reasonable Accommodations:

Our HR team asks about the nature of assistance needed, ensuring we are ready to provide reasonable accommodations that enable applicants to complete the electronic submission process comfortably.

3. Engage in an Interactive Process:

We engage in open and effective communication with individuals, seeking to understand their limitations and unique requirements.

4. Document the Interaction:

We maintain detailed records of communication and any accommodations provided, ensuring compliance with the ADA and facilitating future inquiries or audits. All documentation is treated confidentially.

5. Ensure Confidentiality:

We prioritize the confidentiality of information related to an applicant's disability, sharing it only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know, such as those involved in providing accommodations.

6. Provide Assistance as Needed:

Based on the applicant's information, our HR representatives offer assistance tailored to accommodate individual disabilities, whether it be additional time, alternative formats, or other reasonable adjustments.

7. Educate Staff:

Our HR staff and relevant personnel are well-versed in ADA requirements and our commitment to providing reasonable accommodations. We provide ongoing training to ensure our team responds appropriately to similar requests, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.