Graduate Student Summer Program in Earth System Science (GSSP)

Target: graduate students in any Earth Science and related disciplines

Deadline: February 12, 2010.

If you would like to access the alumni project reports (available as PDF files), please use the following links:

2009 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2009_gssp_reports.html
2008 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2008_gssp_reports.html
2007 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2007_gssp_reports.html
2006 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2006_gssp_reports.html
2005 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2005_gssp_reports.html
2004 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2004_gssp_reports.html
2003 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2003_gssp_reports.html

Summer Institute in Earth Sciences

If you would like to access the SIES alumni project reports (available as PDF files), please use the following link:

2009 reports: http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/2009_sies_reports.html

Self-Directed Internships

Target: students of any level who wish to work with a specific Goddard mentor may arrange for an internship in consultation with their mentor; such internships may be undertaken at any time of year.

June 1 - August 6, 2010

THE PROGRAM

The program includes an Earth Science seminar series, NASA tours, and a variety of optional social and professional development events. To complete the program, both an oral report and a written report of the research effort will be required.

ELIGIBILITY

The program is directed primarily at undergraduates who are in their Junior year at the time of application. However, all undergraduates, who are currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university, are eligible, provided they are also U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Computer and programming experience are highly desired, but not required. Applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT

Students receive a grant of $4,000, local housing, and economy travel expenses. The program must be completed to receive the total amount of the grant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications will be accepted beginning January 2nd. On-line application and instructions are available at: http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

CONTACT

Valerie Casasanto
Program Coordinator
E-mail: vcasa@umbc.edu
Telephone: 301-286-6605]]> http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/summer_institute_in_earth_scie.html http://gest.umbc.edu/student_opp/summer_institute_in_earth_scie.html student_opp Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:32:14 -0500 Graduate Student Summer Program 2010

Program Dates: June 1 to August 6, 2010

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Earth Sciences Division, in collaboration with the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, is offering graduate student research opportunities through its Graduate Student Summer Program (GSSP).

GSSP provides students the unique opportunity to conduct an intensive research project at the world's leading Earth Sciences laboratories at NASA GSFC, located near Washington, DC in Greenbelt, MD. Many students have applied their summer experiences to their graduate theses.

GSSP is open to students enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs in the Earth, physical, or biological sciences; mathematics; engineering; or other disciplines. Participants must be either U.S. citizens or foreign nationals in U.S. schools who are either permanent residents or possess a valid F1 or J1 visa. Applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

COMPENSATION AND SUPPORT

Students will receive $12-$15/hour over the 10-week period, local housing, and travel expenses.

TO APPLY

The application must include:

• Application Form

• Updated curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of reference.
• Transcripts that cover the last two academic years.
• A statement of citizenship/residency. Acceptance to the program will be contingent on providing proof of citizenship or residency.
• A project proposal with the name of a suggested GSFC Earth Sciences mentor. It is strongly encouraged that students contact the potential GSFC mentor prior to submitting an application if a scientist is already known. Any scientist at GSFC, WFF, or GISS may qualify as a mentor, as long as that scientist's research is parallel to the student's thesis research. If a student does not know an Earth Scientist at GSFC, we will make our best efforts to match the student with an appropriate mentor.

Please feel free to visit http://earthsciences.gsfc.nasa.gov for further information on the various Earth sciences departments and scientists.

DEADLINE

Applications must be received no later than February 12, 2010. Selection announcements will be made by April 2010.

CONTACT INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT: Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center and
Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET)
Note: Position is located at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Associate Director, the incumbent will be responsible for oversight of hiring and faculty reappointments for both the JCET and GEST research centers. Specific duties include: responding to requests for information on UMBC hiring practices; preparing all required documentation from Personnel Requisitions to drafting final justification to hire memos; coordinating new hires with Human Resources and International Educational Services; tracking hiring process and maintaining internal monitoring system; coordinating all Contingent hires; coordinating faculty reappointments; and performing other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Bachelor's degree. Must have excellent customer service and organizational skills. Knowledge and experience with faculty hiring preferred. PeopleSoft, Human Resources and University experience desirable. Occasional travel to UMBC is required.
Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION: For best consideration, submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references by November 30, 2009 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu or to:
Ms. Danita E. Eichenlaub, Acting Director
GEST/JCET
5523 Research Park Drive
Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Please visit our web page at http://www.umbc.edu/hr for additional employment opportunities.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

610-111-392 Land data assimilation at GEOS

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the NASA GSFC in Greenbelt.

We seek a research associate to advance land data assimilation within the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model and its associated Data Assimilation System (DAS) developed in the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The position involves development and implementation of land data assimilation components, and in particular using satellite observations of soil moisture, snow, and land surface temperature. The developments support applications of land data assimilation to the initialization of weather and short-term climate forecasts and improve our understanding of land-atmosphere interactions. Based in the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at NASA GSFC, the position will involve collaborations with Goddard's Hydrological Sciences Branch as well as the broader research community.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in in Hydrology, Atmospheric Sciences, or equivalent experience, is required for this position. Experience of coding and running global land surface models and data assimilation systems on high-end computing systems is highly desirable, as is hands-on ability to run data-processing applications such as Matlab, IDL, or GrADS. A proven ability to communicate through conference presentations and scientific publications is needed. Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position # 610-111-392) a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. GEST partners are Equal Employment/ Affirmative Action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make a Research Faculty appointment at the Research Associate (or in exceptional cases at the Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist) level as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC
or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

613-117-410 Research Activity - Creation and Validation of Tropospheric
Products from Aura

A Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Branch (ACDB) of NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. A Research Associate is sought to work in the creation and/or validation of trace gas and aerosol products from instruments on board NASA satellites (e.g., the Aura satellite, http://aura.gsfc.nasa.gov/). The ACDB is
particularly interested in a post doctoral researcher to focus on improving tropospheric products obtained from satellites such as the tropospheric column measurements of NO2 from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument on Aura. Such improvements will rely on improved knowledge of the stratospheric column, better characterization of the shape of the NO2 profile that can be obtained using observations from other instruments and models and by developing retrieval algorithms that use cloud, aerosol and surface
information from OMI and the MODIS instrument on EOS Aqua.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Atmospheric Chemistry, Oceanic Sciences, Biosphere/Ecosystem Sciences, or related fields. Experience in numerical modeling and/or data analysis of in-situ measurements and satellite products and/or radiative transfer modeling is highly desirable. Computing skills such as programming in Fortran, IDL or other visualization software would be an asset. For posting to a location at GSFC or UMBC, selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position #613-117-410) a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references by December 11, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled) to: Mrs. Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. GEST partners are Equal
Employment/Affirmative Action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

GEST 3395: Research Activity - Doppler Wind Lidar Simulations

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at either NASA/GSFC in Greenbelt, MD or the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation in Camp Springs, MD.

We seek a Research Associate to carry out Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) which are important tools for assessing the impact of future observing systems. NASA is funding OSSE investigations of a future Doppler Wind Lidar demonstration mission recommended to the agency in the NRC Decadal Survey as a candidate for future implementation. The incumbent will support this investigation by setting up, executing and diagnosing data assimilation and forecast experiments using either the Goddard GEOS-5 system, the NCEP Global Forecast System or a combination of the two. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with scientists from NASA, NOAA/NCEP and NOAA/AOML.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, or a related field. Experience in data assimilation, satellite remote sensing or diagnostics of atmospheric model experiments is a plus.

To be considered for this position, submit a cover letter (indicating position #3395), a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references by December 1, 2009 to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. Application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled.

GEST partners are Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

610-110-387 Research Activity - Remote Sensing and Public Health

Research scientist is required to utilize remote sensing technology to monitor, predict, and facilitate the control of infectious disease transmission. As environmental and climatic factors have a profound role in initiating, promoting and sustaining the transmission of infectious diseases globally, the objective of the research is to develop empirical and theoretical models and techniques that can be used by public health organizations for disease surveillance and control. Applicants must be interested in understanding the details of infectious diseases transmission, and willing to interact with epidemiologists and experts in related disciplines. This research may include aspects of ecological modeling and biodiversity.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Earth sciences, physics, mathematics, computer sciences, theoretical ecology or engineering with similar emphases. Past experience with methods for extracting or deriving geophysical parameters from satellite measurement would be helpful. Familiarity with common geospatial and GIS techniques; statistical methods (biostatistics desirable); numerical methods; and dynamic system modeling techniques and in particular, with C, IDL, R, SAS, ArcGIS and Matlab are definite assets. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references to Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. This position will remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Comparison of the NASA GEOS-5 Model to MPLNET Aerosol Data
Student: Bryon Baumstarck, Rocky Mountain College
Mentor: Dr. Peter Colarco

Algorithms for Spaceborne Weather Radar
Student: Anuraj Chakraborty, UMBC
Mentor: Dr. Robert Meneghini

Driving Forces Behind Himalayan Glacial Melt
Student: Brandon Cottom, UMBC
Mentor: Dr. Eric Wilcox

An Observational Study of the Connection between Boundary Layer Structure and Precipitation in the U.S. Great Plains
Student: Melissa Dawson, University of Oklahoma
Mentor: Dr. Andrea Molod

Assessing the Accuracy of Land Cover Estimates for Earth Satellite Applications
Student: Ryan Max, UMBC
Mentor: Dr. Eric Brown de Colstoun

Satellite Remote Sensing of Aerosols: Factors That Affect Smoke Plume Injection Heights
Student: Catherine May, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Mentor: Dr. Charles Ichoku

Correlation of AIRS CO and MODIS AOD over the Northern Hemisphere from June-August 2008
Student: Kiran Quaraishi, UMBC
Mentor: Dr. Allen Chu

NLDAS Drought Monitors: Precipitation Deciles and the Palmer Drought Severity Index
Student: Vishana Ramdeen, Rutgers University
Mentor: Dr. David Mocko

Comparison of Satellite-Based Ocean Heat Content Estimates with Argo Measurements
Student: Brian Young, IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis)
Mentors: Dr. Paolo de Matthaeis & Dr. Daniel Jacob

Analysis of Errors Associated with the Estimation of Smoke Emission Rates from
Satellite Fire Radiative Power Measurements over North America
Student: Karandana Dharshana, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Mentor: Dr. Charles Ichoku

Atmospheric Transport of Patagonian Dust and Its Influence on Marine Biological Activity in the South Atlantic Ocean
Student: Matthew Johnson, North Carolina State University
Mentor: Dr. Santiago Gasso

Phenology-Climate Dynamics in Response to Changes in Land and Water Use Practices in Central Asia
Student: Jahan Kariyeva, University of Arizona
Mentor: Drs. Marc Imhoff and Lahouari Bounoua

Impact of High Resolution Land Surface Initialization on Convection along the Sierra Madre Occidental
Student: Wendi Kaufeld, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Mentors: Dr. Christa Peters-Lidard

Hydrologic Modeling of the Rio Grande Basin
Student: Prakash Khedun, Texas A&M
Mentors: Dr. John Bolton

Southwestern U.S. and Northwestern Mexico Dust Storm Modeling Trough Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Data: A Machine Learning Perspective
Student: Pablo Rivas-Perea, University of Texas, El Paso
Mentors: Dr. James Tilton

Contribution of Aerosol-Cloud-Vegetation Interactions to the Hydrological Cycle during the Amazonian Biomass Burning Season
Student: John TenHoeve, Stanford University
Mentors: Dr. Lorraine Remer

California Heat Waves: Are Observations Enough? How Can Models Help?
Student: Aude Valade, University of California, Davis
Mentors: Dr. Joe Santanello

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

613-112-399: Data analysis of satellite cloud property retrievals and other parameters from multiple satellites

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the NASA GSFC in Greenbelt.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Physics, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or a related field. The candidate will perform data analysis of satellite cloud property retrievals and other parameters from multiple satellites including but not limited to the Aura OMI, Aqua MODIS, CloudSat and will also work on advanced algorithms utilizing multiple sensors. Candidate will also perform simulation studies for future satellite platforms. We seek a research associate who has experience with data analysis programs such as IDL and Matlab. Candidate should have basic programming skills. The candidate should have a working knowledge of radiative transfer theory. Experience with radiative transfer codes (thermal IR through the ultraviolet) is desired. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position # 613-112-399) a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references by November 3, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled) to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. GEST partners are Equal Employment/ Affirmative Action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

613-112-404 Research Activity - Investigating the role of aerosols in climate change and air quality

A Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.

Research Associate will investigate the role of aerosols in climate change and air quality through global/regional modeling studies and data analysis. Specific research areas include (1) aerosol effects on hydrological cycles, including monsoon and snow/ice melting, (2) global and regional aerosol radiative forcing estimates through an improvement of the optical parameters based on AERONET and satellite observations, and (3) assessment of the effects of future climate change on regional air quality and future emission change on climate.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, or related field. Applicant having experience in numerical modeling is highly desirable. Computing skills include Fortran, IDL, and visualization software. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position #613-112-404), a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and contact information (telephone numbers, email addresses) of three references by October 20, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled) to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. GEST partners are Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

613-112-402 Research Activity - Cloud Remote Sensing

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.

Research scientist is required to develop and evaluate satellite cloud retrieval algorithms, primarily using the MODIS instrument. Emphasis will be on assessment of passive cloud thermodynamic phase retrievals, the use of combined observations from the A-Train or aircraft simulators for retrieving cloud properties (e.g., solar reflectance, infrared, polarization, and active measurements) and analysis of satellite and aircraft data.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, or related field. Applicant should have experience with solar and IR radiative transfer and remote sensing, be familiar with passive satellite cloud retrieval algorithms, and have computer skills such as programming in Fortran 90, C, and IDL (or other visualization-capable language). Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position #613-112-402) a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references by October 20, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled) to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. GEST partners are Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employers.

DEPARTMENT: Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center

RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will work with GEST Research Scientist Dr. Asaph Anyamba on a variety of research topics, including long-term vegetation dynamics, interactions between interannual climate/ rainfall variability, and land surface temperature both at global and continental scales.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Master of Science, Meteorology, Climatology, Statistics and Data Analysis. A minimum of one-year work experience with Linux, C++ and IDL Programming. Experience with UNIX/Linux platforms is required. Previous experience in the analysis of long-time series global satellite measurements a plus.
Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION: Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume with three professional references to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu by September 18, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled).

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for the following position:

614-111-390 Melt Water Routing System Studies

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center. The successful candidate will be posted to work at the NASA GSFC in Greenbelt.

We seek a research associate to investigate the configuration of the melt water routing system on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet. A primary objective will be to determine the connection between supra-glacial lake location, bed topography, and surface energy-balance feedbacks that help to determine lake location. A related objective is to understand the spatial distribution of surface meltwater channels and moulin locations in relation to the surface lakes that act as water sources of these features. The research associate will likely have an opportunity to participate in Greenland field work in summer 2010-11 and 2011-12. The primary data for this project will be remote-sensing data sets including ICESat, MODIS and ASTER data products, and existing field data on bed topography and surface ice velocity. The research associate will be expected to participate in publication and presentation of the research methods and results.

Requirements: The position requires a Ph.D. in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or a related field. The position requires experience with energy balance modeling in ice sheets, and demonstrated understanding of the physical processes related to mass gain or loss from the ice sheets. The ability to program in Matlab or a related modeling package will be an asset. The candidate should be able to work independently. For posting to a location at GSFC, selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating position # 614-111-390) a complete curriculum vitae, home address, visa status (if applicable) and names and telephone numbers of three references by October 5, 2009 (application materials for this position will be accepted until position is filled) to: Danita Eichenlaub, Acting Director, GEST/JCET, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 or by email to Applications_GEST_JCET@umbc.edu. GEST partners are Equal Employment/ Affirmative Action employers.