Candidates are sought for a postdoctoral or similar position under supervision of Dr. Lionel Arteaga, oceanographer and Earth scientist primarily working on ocean carbon fluxes and the connection between marine ecosystems and climate. Research will be conducted in support of NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) in conjunction with the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) consortium.

Research in the GMAO emphasizes the use of satellite observations to address questions about climate variability, water and energy budgets, composition, and weather and climate prediction. Global ocean, atmosphere and land surface models are developed as components of assimilation and forecast systems, as well as for addressing the weather and climate research questions identified in NASA’s science mission.

Highly-motivated recent graduates with a background in oceanography, data science, or closely related science/engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Project research focuses on the impact of marine heatwaves (MHWs) on the biological carbon pump. This NASA-funded project will use the NASA Ocean Biogeochemical Model (NOBM) to investigate and forecast changes in carbon export in response to MHWs, with the goal of identifying key planktonic and biogeochemical drivers and consequences.

This is a 3-year position, located onsite at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.

Required Qualifications:

M.S. in oceanography, data science, or closely related science/engineering discipline
Programming skills and experience
Excellent communication skills
Preferred Skills:

PhD in related field
Experience with MATLAB/Python/Fortran and other language and software tools
This position is administratively supported by the GESTAR II Consortium, which supports over 140 researchers based primarily at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. GESTAR II researchers work to create extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research, carrying out observational, experimental and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic Earth Science mission objectives.

Goddard’s Earth Science Division is home to about 200 civil servants and over 1200 collaborating researchers and support personnel, dedicated to studying the Earth as an integrated system that includes the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere. The Division operates as a component of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate that collaborate on interdisciplinary research with the Astrophysics Science, Heliophysics Science, and Solar System Exploration Divisions.

The nominal starting date is early 2025, but alternate dates are possible depending on availability.

Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a 3-page statement of research interests. Short-listed candidates will be asked to supply three letters of reference at a later date. All materials and inquiries should be sent by email Subject line: Postdoctoral Researcher Position to: Lionel Arteaga (lionel.arteagaquintero@nasa.gov)

Completed applications received by January 17, 2025 will receive full consideration, however the posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The GESTAR II consortium and NASA/GSFC are committed to building a diverse research community and encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. All GESTAR II institutions are Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employers.