Graduate Research Scientist, Intern

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Perform a feasibility study for a passive multi-angle polarimeter aimed at retrieving sea ice albedo and associated cryospheric variables.

• Enhance the RTM-SciML framework to include polarized radiance and dense angular sampling.

• Generate a synthetic training dataset of top-of-atmosphere Stokes vectors utilizing a vector radiative transfer model that reflects various sea ice surface conditions.

• Train and assess machine-learning models for retrieving broadband shortwave albedo and melt pond fraction.

• Evaluate retrieval performance across spectral, angular, and polarimetric configurations using reserved synthetic test data.

• Document the trade-offs among spectral range, angular sampling, and polarimetric capabilities.

• Provide recommendations for the design of multi-angle polarimeter instruments.

• Create documentation, written reports, and oral presentations that summarize methodologies and findings.

• Assist in cryospheric remote-sensing research and the development of instrument concepts for upcoming Earth-observing missions at NASA Langley Research Center.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline.

• Proficient in Python, including libraries such as NumPy and SciPy.

• Familiarity with machine-learning libraries like PyTorch or TensorFlow.

• Capability to handle large multi-dimensional scientific datasets.

• Experience in radiative transfer modeling.

• Knowledge of vector RT codes, including AccuRT, libRadtran, SCIATRAN, or VLIDORT.

• Ability to work autonomously and document code and methodologies clearly.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Background in atmospheric or cryospheric remote sensing.

• Experience or coursework related to optical instrument design or polarimetry.

• Understanding of polarimetric measurements and their applications.

• Interest in contributing to peer-reviewed publications.

• Enthusiasm for developing instrument concepts for both current and future Earth-observing missions.

🏝️ Benefits

• Paid personal leave.

• Federally recognized holiday leave.

• Salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Short-term disability plan.

• Long-term disability plan.

• Medical insurance options.

• Dental insurance options.

• Vision insurance options.

• Support for professional growth.

• A collaborative, engaging, and supportive work environment.