Research Scientist/Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Hampton, VA

About The Position

We are currently looking to hire a Research Scientist to work at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in atmospheric remote sensing, laser diagnostics, and lidar system development. The selected candidate will help advance high spectral resolution lidar and differential absorption technologies, improve or develop techniques to sample, aerosols, clouds, trace gas, and state parameters. A key element will be to support both airborne and ground based atmospheric measurement systems including the potential for travel consisting of multiple weeks twice a year. The ideal applicant brings robust experimental skills, a solid background in optical and laser diagnostics, and proven experience designing, developing, deploying, and analyzing data from advanced lidar instruments.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in lidar remote sensing, laser diagnostics, or optical measurement systems.
Knowledge and hands-on experience with: - High spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) - Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) - Atomic or molecular vapor filters (e.g., iodine, barium) - High-power pulsed lasers (Nd:YAG preferred) - Optical alignment, detector systems, and spectroscopic diagnostics
Strong analytical skills, including experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Proven publication record in atmospheric lidar, optical diagnostics, or related fields.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
This position requires US citizenship or Permanent Residence.

Nice To Haves

Experience with airborne lidar systems or participation in field campaigns.
Knowledge of atmospheric boundary layer processes and thermodynamic profiling.
Familiarity with frequency stabilization, cavity locking, or rapid laser frequency switching.
Experience mentoring students or leading small research teams.

Responsibilities

Lidar System Development & Operation: Design, develop, and optimize High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) systems, spanning lasers, low light detectors, high-speed data acquisition hardware, and evaluating the measurement performance.
Implement advanced spectral filtering techniques (e.g., iodine vapor filters, atomic vapor notch filters, etalons).
Integrate and test laser frequency control systems, high-power tunable Nd:YAG lasers, and analog/photonic detection modules.
Conduct benchtop and field testing of lidar components, including absorption spectroscopy, frequency stability systems, and detector calibration.
Atmospheric Measurement & Analysis: Develop algorithms or processing code to process lidar measurements into geophysical variables related to aerosols (depolarization ratios, backscatter coefficients, extinction coefficients), clouds (extinction coefficients, cloud layers), trace gases (ozone, water vapor).
Analyze and relate the lidar measurements to atmospheric boundary layer structure and dynamics, mixing/boundary layer heights, state parameters (i.e. water vapor, temperature) from past and future airborne campaigns.
Support airborne field campaigns, including instrument integration, flight operations, and data acquisition and analysis.
Support post campaign data processing, quality assurance, assess and provide guidance on improving in the measurements.
Modeling & Algorithm Development: Develop and refine retrieval algorithms for temperature, aerosol backscatter, extinction, and PBL height estimation.
Build simulation tools to evaluate lidar performance, SNR, and sensitivity under varying atmospheric conditions.
Research Leadership & Collaboration: Publish high-impact journal articles and present findings at national and international conferences.
Collaborate with NASA centers, national laboratories, universities, and field campaign teams.
Contribute to proposal development for new research initiatives.