Universities Space Research Association Jobs

Position Summary:

The Associate Data Scientist will collaborate with a diverse group to design, build, maintain air quality sensors, and analyze air quality data for the EPA, USGS, and other stakeholders. The role will focus on creating a network of air quality sensors, analyzing and visualizing data for communities with a high impact risk. The Associate Data Scientist will work under the direction of Scientists, Senior Scientists, and/or Project Managers to support project deliverables. They will also be involved in the development of proposals for new collaborations involving both academia and industry, as part of joint public-private initiatives aimed at addressing key national challenges.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Satisfy USRA's non-profit mission by making a distinctive impact through scientific and technical accomplishments in the assigned projects.

1. Collaborate in the design, installation, and maintenance of air quality sensor networks, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of data collection.

2. Work closely with Scientists, Senior Scientists, and Project Managers to support the achievement of project goals, sharing insights, and contributing to collaborative research efforts.

3. Create informative and actionable visualizations to communicate air quality data effectively to communities at high risk, facilitating informed decision-making.

4. Implement rigorous quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and consistency of air quality sensor data, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

5. Effectively communicate findings and project progress to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering strong relationships with project partners and stakeholders.

6. Address challenges and discrepancies in data collection and analysis, proposing creative solutions to optimize sensor networks and data accuracy.

7. Plan, schedule, and conduct activities in all phases of one or more significant research projects, as a PI, Co-PI, Project Scientist, or Project Lead.

8. Prepare presentations and reports as required, present results at conferences, and publish papers as appropriate.

9. Coordinate activities of project personnel with possible supervisory responsibility.

10. Act as a mentor for student interns involved in machine learning research.

11. Maintain an awareness of funding opportunities and support and/or lead proposal activities as approved.

• Act safely, ethically, and in compliance with all laws, regulations, and USRA policies and procedures including:

1. Ensure the protection of intellectual property including submitting new technology disclosures and supporting patent applications.

2. Ensure export control compliance related to ITAR/EAR regulations.

3. Ensure compliance with all policies such as for timesheets and travel.

4. Complete all trainings as scheduled.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in Earth science, Atmospheric sciences, or a related discipline.

Skills

• Familiarity with air quality sensor technology, including their design, maintenance, and calibration, to ensure accurate data collection.

• Proficient in data analysis, with expertise in statistical analysis and data mining techniques to extract insights from air quality data.

• Proficient in implementing rigorous quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy and consistency in air quality monitoring.

• Skilled in creating compelling data visualizations to convey complex air quality information to diverse audiences effectively.

• Excellent communication skills to convey findings and project progress to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration and understanding.

• Understanding of regulatory standards and compliance requirements for air quality monitoring, particularly related to EPA and USGS projects.

• Experience in conducting research and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences to contribute to the field's knowledge.

• Advanced experimental and analytical skills.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work with others, and meet multiple deadlines.

• Ability to write technical reports and peer reviewed publications.

• Ability to communicate through conference presentations, seminars, and other forums.

• Model USRA’s core values:

1. Passion (for science, technology, and education).

2. Partnerships (with universities, governments, and the private sector).

3. Professionalism (through excellence, accountability, and respect for others).

Working Conditions :

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position. This is largely a sedentary role.

Travel :

Employee must be willing and able to travel. Position may require domestic and international business travel.

Job Location: Mountain View, California, United States.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Race/Color/Sex.

The hiring range displayed is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed (Mt. View, CA). In extending an offer, USRA considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, knowledge, internal staff equity, and relevant education/training. The hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Mt. View, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the HR Business Partner when applicable. The full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Mt. View, California $ 80,700 - $127,155.

About USRA :

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance aeronautics and space science and technology. The USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) supports multiple NASA teams through USRA’s management of the NASA Academic Mission Services (NAMS) Program at NASA’s Ames Research Center. This includes support for projects with the NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI), NASA Aviation Systems Division, NASA Intelligent Systems Division, and the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division.

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