Space Geodesist Research Associate Full-time

Space Geodesist Research Associate

Applied Research Laboratories is a University Affiliated Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin, located on the Pickle Research Campus in North Austin. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security.

Within ARL:UT, the Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL) engages in research in electromagnetic propagation, geo-positioning, and remote sensing. The lab monitors the long-term performance of GPS, addresses the specification of government geodetic-quality GPS receivers, and designs and executes government tests for industry-produced receivers.

We are seeking a Research Associate to provide precision survey and geodesy expertise and scientific rigor across a portfolio of technologies germane to interests of SGL listed above in order to effect improvements to these interests and advance the state-of-the-art in these areas.

Responsibilities:

• Perform high-level independent precision survey and geodesy research relevant to the interests of SGL.
• Present and publish your research, both internally and externally. This may involve participating in project reviews and technical interface meetings to present designs and test results to sponsors and other external organizations, as well as publishing work in scientific journals and presenting work at conferences.
• Contribute to the first principles problem formulations, algorithm development, systems designs, software implementations, and collection methods for specialized geodetic survey applications, drawing on expertise in fields such as physics, gravimetry, astronomy, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), terrestrial survey instrumentation, and estimation theory.
• Accrue and apply knowledge of global reference frame determination, multi-space geodetic techniques, metrology, geophysical phenomena, orbit determination, GNSS signals, and statistical estimation to address a range of specialized geodetic applications. Design experiments and corresponding analyses to gauge systems' performance, and develop recommendations to effect improvements.
• Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment. Work closely with team members to define interfaces between program components. Document implementations thoroughly and clearly. Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
• Further develop knowledge of geodesy, geodetic survey principles, astronomy, estimation theory, C++ and Python, and software development principles.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other full time employees and student employees.
• Provide technical leadership and identify new directions for research.
• Other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in geodesy, geophysics, aerospace engineering, physics, earth science, or related field.
• Experience developing software in C++ or Python for scientific applications.
• One or more years experience developing methods of geodetic data collection and/or data reduction processes.
• Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated record of presenting scientific content to technical and non-technical audiences.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with various groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.