Thermosphere-Ionosphere Modeling/Experimentation Systems Lead
Albuquerque, NMThe Space Vehicles Directorate/US Space Force is seeking a scientific expert in the physics of the thermosphere-ionosphere system to lead modeling and experimentation efforts for the Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications Branch (AFRL/RVBX)Job Overview
This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 20 January 2023.
The Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications Branch is seeking an Interdisciplinary research scientist in the field of thermospheric physics. This position is expected to be an 100%-time commitment. The successful applicant will use a foundational expertise to contribute to research and development concerning the thermosphere to further understanding, measuring, monitoring, and modeling of the impact of neutral winds on the ionosphere and the distribution of plasma irregularity structures. In addition, the successful applicant will develop improvements that advance the ability to predict, specify, monitor, and respond to dynamic changes in the LEO and VLEO satellite drag environment in congested space.
Position duties include, but are not limited to:
- Provides expertise in thermospheric physics, modeling, and sensing as it pertains to satellite drag and ionospheric impacts.
- Performs and has expertise in leading edge research which advances the state-of-the-art in thermospheric modeling and simulation.
- Leads analysis and planning for research that support the development of new technologies that meet Branch goals.
- Contributes effectively in a team-oriented research environment.
- Manages contracted or in-house research efforts within the technical areas of the thermosphere and its impacts on related systems.
- Collects, analyzes, and visualizes relevant data sources for evaluation and planning of thermosphere/ionosphere observations and experimentation.
Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy
Remote Work (CONUS)
No, this position is not approved for remote work.
Required Qualifications
- US Citizenship
- Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution
- Experience working with or within the Department of Defense research community.
- This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technology Management (ETM). The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. 80 hours of qualified continuous learning will be required every two years. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
- Applicants must currently hold, or have the ability to obtain a DOD TS/SCI clearance
- COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the federal government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply.
Desired Qualifications
- Proficiency in Python, Julia, C/C++, or Fortran
- Experience with data visualization and analysis tools
- Experience with running physics-based, global thermospheric models (e.g., TIE-GCM, CTIPe, GITM) as well as familiarity with empirical models (e.g., NRLMISISE)
- Knowledge of high-latitude thermosphere/ionosphere/magnetosphere coupling and the impacts of geomagnetic storms and the wind-driven disturbance dynamo
- Knowledge of state-of-the-art thermospheric drag models
(Req No 95855)
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