Research Associate – Center for Atmospheric Sciences

TITLE OF POSITION:

Research Associate in Atmospheric Remote Sensing, Boundary Layer Analysis, and Satellite Validation

Job description:

The Center for Atmospheric Sciences at Hampton University seeks candidates for a research associate position to support the Center for Atmospheric Sciences and the Hampton University Lidar Laboratory. The candidate will support atmospheric remote sensing research focused on planetary boundary layer characterization, ceilometer algorithm development, validation, and integrated analysis of ground-based and satellite observations in support of the Unified Ceilometer Network (UCN). The candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Ruben Delgado and will contribute to scientific analysis, data processing, manuscript development, and conference presentations in support of the Center’s research mission.

Job Duties:

Support UCN boundary layer algorithm development and validation. This includes developing and refining the UCN boundary layer algorithm for individual sites so that it can be automated to produce reliable planetary boundary layer data products for the community; validating the algorithm where possible using radiosondes and other ancillary atmospheric observations; exploring methods to automate the validation process and provide results to the community; investigating relationships between planetary boundary layer structure, remote sensing information from Pandora and AERONET, and surface air quality measurements at co-located sites; and conducting comparative analyses between TEMPO aerosol optical centroid height (AOCH) products and ground-based ceilometer measurements. This comparative work includes temporospatial collocation of TEMPO and ceilometer data for a minimum of one year, collection of ancillary data to support analysis and interpretation, and calculation of standard validation metrics including mean bias, root mean square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient. The candidate will also help develop manuscripts associated with these tasks and make presentations at scientific conferences.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Physics, Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related field. Experience with atmospheric remote sensing observations and datasets, including ceilometers, lidar, radiosondes, Pandora, AERONET, and satellite products, is desired. Experience with algorithm development, validation, uncertainty analysis, and spatiotemporal collocation of atmospheric datasets is preferred.

Requirements:

The candidate must have experience with scientific programming in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar languages and experience working in Unix/Linux environments. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, and a completed application for faculty employment to: Dr. Ruben Delgado at ruben.delgado@hamptonu.edu. Positions can start as soon as possible. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.