Scientist, Data

Position Summary:

The Data Scientist will conduct artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) research and development for a portfolio of NASA applications with focus on aeronautics projects such as Air Traffic Management, Aviation Safety, Sustainable Aviation, and/or Advanced Air Mobility. The Scientist will work on a collaborative team with other researchers and engineers and may serve in the role of Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, Project Scientist, or Project Lead for one or more significant projects leading the work of other project team members. The Scientist may also be involved with the development of proposals for new collaborations involving both academia and industry, for joint public-private initiatives to address key national challenges. The seniority of the position will be determined based on the candidate’s background and achievements.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Satisfy USRA's non-profit mission by making a distinctive impact through scientific and technical accomplishments in the assigned projects.

• Provide expertise in one or several areas of machine learning and data science, such as natural language processing, supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, etc.
• Showcase hands-on experience in generative AI, specifically experience working with large language models (LLMs) in variety of concepts such as summarization, data generation, and show experience with fine tuning such models for specific tasks.
• Showcase a comprehensive understanding and hands-on knowledge of Transformers and Encoder-Decoder models in general (e.g., VAEs, GANs)
• Provide hands-on ML engineering to develop and customize machine learning algorithms (as a research code) in Python for achieving end results.
• Provide hands-on experience in developing deep learning model architecture from scratch using PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct activities in all phases of one or more significant research projects, as a PI, Co-PI, Project Scientist, or Project Lead.
• Prepare presentations and reports as required, present results at conferences, and publish papers as appropriate.
• Coordinate activities of project personnel with possible supervisory responsibility.
• Act as a mentor for student interns involved in machine learning research.
• Maintain an awareness of funding opportunities and support and/or lead proposal activities as approved.

• Ensure the protection of intellectual property including submitting new technology disclosures and supporting patent applications.
• Ensure export control compliance related to ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all policies such as for timesheets and travel.
• Complete all trainings as scheduled.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

1. Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline with 3+ years of work experience. M.Sc. degree is also accepted with 5+ years of work experience in data science and machine learning research.
2. Background in aeronautics, air traffic management, or unmanned aerial vehicles is a plus.

Skills:

1. Proven experience in machine learning research and development. Experience with natural language processing (large language models) highly desired.
2. Hands-on experience in Python, SQL, and other relevant languages and familiarity with various software platforms and frameworks.
3. Hands-on experience with deep learning libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
4. Expertise with efficient data manipulation techniques with various data mining and machine learning methods applied to “Big Data”, data with large volume, high velocity, high variability, and changing definitions.
5. Experience with formulating and developing new methods or modifications of existing methods for target problems.
6. Familiarity with typical applied data mining research, such as assessing whether existing methods are suitable for the targeted problem and articulating inadequacies in methods, if any exist.
7. Advanced experimental and analytical skills.

Knowledge and Abilities:

1. Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
2. Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
3. Ability to write technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
4. Ability to communicate through conference presentations, seminars, and other forums.
5. Model USRA’s core values:

• Passion (for science, technology, and education).
• Partnerships (with universities, governments, and the private sector).
• Professionalism (through excellence, accountability, and respect for others).

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Keyboarding for large time spans each day will be a significant part of this position. This is largely a sedentary role.

Travel

Employee must be willing and able to travel. Position may require domestic and international business travel.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Race/Color/Sex.

Job Location:

Mountain View, California, United States.

About USRA:

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance aeronautics and space science and technology. The USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) supports multiple NASA teams through USRA’s management of the NASA Academic Mission Services (NAMS) Program at NASA’s Ames Research Center. This includes support for projects with the NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI), NASA Aviation Systems Division, NASA Intelligent Systems Division, and the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division.

The hiring range displayed is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed (Mt. View, CA). In extending an offer, USRA considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, knowledge, internal staff equity, and relevant education/training. The hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Mt. View, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the HR Business Partner when applicable. The full-time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Mt. View, California $92,900 -$146,370.