Associate Data Scientist II

Works closely with the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) science team to validate existing scientific image processing pipelines, work with the team on new data pipelines, assess data quality, develop and test new algorithms to improve data, and provide data tools for use by the community.

MLSO  acquires unique solar corona data from two coronagraphs. These provide observations of coronal plasma motions, thermal conditions, and diagnostics of plasma density and the coronal magnetic field. High-time cadence observations track the formation and dynamics of explosive events known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) that can drive space weather.

• Work with the instrument scientists and team to develop science data products from new instrumentation

• Help develop higher-level MLSO data products and community software tools

• Improve existing calibration algorithms and verify the quality of the final science data products

• Design software noise filtering algorithms to enhance signal in MLSO data. Investigate existing community software packages for removing atmospheric effects from MLSO data

• Develop visualization tools for combining MLSO data with other ground-based and NASA data and with model output

• Create software to automatically detect solar activity, such as solar flares. Modify existing CME detection software to work with a variety of MLSO images using tools like machine learning

• REQUIRED: Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree in a discipline pertinent to NCAR, such as applied mathematics, computer science, physics/astrophysics, or atmospheric sciences. Three years experience in analysis of scientific data sets, image processing, software development (Python required), scripting languages, and machine learning

• Demonstrated ability to write new code and to modify and maintain existing code

• Knowledge of version control systems (GitHub preferred). Work in a Linux/Unix environment

• Demonstrated ability to process and analyze 2D/3D scientific images, identifying patterns in data, data verification, noise filtering, Fourier analysis, and image co-alignment

• See website for complete information on knowledge, skills, experience and education requirements and to apply for this position:  https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/details/Associate-Data-Scientist-II_REQ-2024-171