Senior Research Scientist

Technology Service Corporation (TSC) is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to support work at the Naval Research Laboratory. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact high-priority Navy missions while advancing global and space weather prediction capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in satellite observations (e.g., GNSS Radio Occultation), forward operator development, and data assimilation system architecture (e.g., JEDI, GSI, WRFDA). We are looking for a scientist with demonstrated technical depth, strong collaborative skills, and experience working with interagency or international partners such as NOAA, JCSDA, NASA, and UCAR.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forward operators, quality control procedures, and observation error models for GNSS-RO, radiance, and in-situ sensor assimilation.
• Contribute to the development, testing, and validation of data assimilation workflows within the JEDI framework for Earth system and space weather models.
• Support Observing System Experiments (OSEs), satellite impact assessments, and workflow integration with research and operational modeling systems.
• Collaborate with NOAA, NASA, JCSDA, and international partners to advance assimilation capabilities and shared modeling infrastructure.
• Provide scientific input to Navy planning efforts and represent TSC in interagency working groups, workshops, and community experiments.
• Produce high-quality reports, peer-reviewed publications, and technical analyses; contribute to proposals and collaborative research efforts.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Space Physics, or related field with; or Master's degree with 12+ years of experience.
• US Citizenship with a current active clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Expertise in satellite assimilation (e.g., GNSS-RO, radiances) including data processing, quality control, and observation operator development.
• Experience in Fortran, C++, and Python for scientific software development, with proficiency in HPC workflows.
• Hands-on experience with one or more assimilation systems (JEDI, GSI, WRFDA, etc.).
• Proven ability to collaborate with external partners and interagency teams (e.g., NOAA, NASA, JCSDA).
• Strong communication skills with a record of scientific publications and contributions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Space Physics, or related discipline.
• Contributions to open-source, community-based modeling efforts (e.g., JEDI/UFO GitHub repositories).
• Familiarity with assimilation of ionospheric or magnetospheric data in space weather models.
• Background in advanced data assimilation methods.
• Previous experience in cross-agency coordination or operational modeling systems.

TSC Benefits: TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package; including ESOP contributions, 401k Matching Program, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Leave and much more.

Applying to TSC: Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.