Job Description:

We are currently looking to hire a Part-Time Scientific Advisor to work at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The ideal consultant will provide high level scientific guidance, technical direction, and strategic insight to advance research initiatives spanning atmospheric, ocean, and snow remote sensing. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in quantum computing, lidar data analysis, and machine learning, along with a distinguished record of leadership in multidisciplinary scientific environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance in quantum computing, lidar remote sensing, and advanced data analytics to support ongoing and future research projects.

• Deliver periodic technical reviews, ensuring scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and alignment with mission objectives.

• Offer strategic input on long-term research directions and emerging technology opportunities.

• Advise on the application of quantum computing approaches to remote sensing challenges, including optimization, denoising, and large-scale data processing.

• Guide the development, evaluation, and refinement of deep learning and AI-based algorithms for lidar data analysis.

• Support the integration of quantum-enhanced methods into existing and future remote sensing workflows.

• Provide scientific oversight for the interpretation and validation of spaceborne and airborne lidar measurements related to atmospheric, ocean, and snow studies.

• Support algorithm development, uncertainty characterization, and data product validation for missions such as CALIPSO, ICESat‑2, CATS, and EarthCARE.

• Collaborate with project scientists and engineers to ensure high-quality data products and robust analytical methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Extensive expertise in quantum computing and lidar remote sensing, including applications in atmospheric and snow science.
• Deep knowledge of lidar signal denoising techniques, including AI-driven and quantum computing–based approaches.
• Strong background in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data-driven methods for remote sensing analysis.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications, scientific leadership, and contributions to multidisciplinary research programs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-level scientific guidance, technical review, and mentorship in collaborative research environments.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in lidar remote sensing, algorithm development, and data product validation.
• Experience with major lidar missions and datasets (CALIPSO, ICESat‑2, CATS, EarthCARE) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience contributing to scientific reports, proposals, and peer reviews.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.