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Remote Observational Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digital Harbor Foundation

Research Scientist

Baltimore, MD · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical ... Process and curate large-scale observational and synthetic datasets (e.g., satellite data, radar ...

Digital Harbor Foundation

Research Scientist

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical ... Process and curate large-scale observational and synthetic datasets (e.g., satellite data, radar ...

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How much do remote observational research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote observational research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is remote observational research?

Remote observational research is a method where researchers study participants or environments without being physically present. This is often done using digital tools such as video calls, remote sensors, or online platforms, allowing data collection from a distance. The approach is valuable for reaching wider or hard-to-access populations and can be more convenient and cost-effective. Remote observational research is commonly used in fields like healthcare, education, and social sciences to observe behaviors, interactions, or outcomes in real time or asynchronously.

What is the difference between Remote Observational Research vs Remote User Experience Research?

AspectRemote Observational ResearchRemote User Experience Research
Primary FocusObserving user behavior in natural settings without interferenceGathering user feedback and experiences to improve products
MethodsVideo recordings, ethnographic observation, contextual inquirySurveys, interviews, usability testing, remote sessions
Work EnvironmentField settings, participants' homes, online observation toolsRemote testing platforms, video calls, online surveys
Required SkillsObservation techniques, data analysis, ethnographyUser research, interview skills, data interpretation

Remote Observational Research and Remote User Experience Research both involve understanding user behavior remotely. Observational research emphasizes watching users in their natural environment, while UX research focuses on collecting user feedback to enhance digital products. Both roles often require similar skills and tools, but their core methods and objectives differ.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Remote Observational Research and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Remote Observational Research often face challenges such as maintaining data quality across diverse and decentralized study sites, ensuring participant compliance, and managing technical issues with remote data collection tools. To address these, it's important to establish clear protocols, provide thorough training to all study participants and collaborators, and utilize reliable remote monitoring technologies. Regular virtual check-ins and prompt technical support can also help mitigate issues quickly, fostering a productive and collaborative remote research environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Observational Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Observational Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in research methods, often supported by a degree in psychology, sociology, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with data collection tools, survey software, statistical analysis programs (such as SPSS or R), and remote collaboration platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and organizational skills help you effectively manage independent work and present findings clearly. These capabilities are essential for ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, enabling impactful insights in a remote research setting.
More about Remote Observational Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Observational Research jobs? Cities with the most Remote Observational Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Observational Research jobs? The most popular types of Observational Research jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Observational Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Observational Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Observational Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Observational Research jobs are:
Remote Observational Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Observational Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 37% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Research Scientist

Research Scientist

Digital Harbor Foundation

Baltimore, MD • On-site, Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Overview
Current projections of sea level rise aren't precise enough and potential solutions to mitigate the contributions of land based glaciers to sea level rise are underexplored. We aim to fund and accelerate existing research by increasing investments in Antarctic science as well as by internally developing accurate forecasts of sea level rise and the expected behavior of Antarctic glaciers. To achieve this we leverage state of the art computational methods combining physics and AI on remote sensing and field data. This role specifically is for the internal development of data driven physics and machine learning methods.
Climate change is destabilizing marine ice sheets, creating a risk of catastrophic sea-level rise over the next century. Arête Glacier Initiative is a new nonprofit initiative dedicated to understanding this risk and assessing the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of potential interventions to stabilize ice sheets. We aim to fund, coordinate, and accelerate research to enable informed and legitimate societal decisions regarding these interventions.
Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in atmospheric science, geophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field
  • 3+ years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience applying machine learning or deep learning to weather forecasting or Earth system modeling (e.g., forecasting, downscaling, emulation)
  • Proficiency in Python and relevant ML frameworks (PyTorch or JAX) with experience in high-performance or cloud computing environments and large-scale parallel processing
  • Experience handling noisy data, uncertainty propagation, and error estimation in a geoscientific context
  • Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical imagery
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in running ice dynamics models such as ISSM, PISM or MALI
  • Experience with physics-informed neural networks, neural operators, Graph Neural Networks, or AI-accelerated FEM modeling
  • Familiarity with uncertainty quantification methods (e.g., ensembles, Bayesian inference) and sensitivity analysis techniques (e.g., adjoint methods) in a geoscientific context
  • Experience with large gridded dataset tooling (Zarr, xarray, Dask)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Develop, optimize, and maintain scalable processing workflows and pipelines for Finite Element Modeling
  • Design and implement physics-informed machine learning models to improve predictive accuracy
  • Quickly learn and apply new tools, datasets, and methods to address evolving project needs
  • Apply advanced statistical methods to quantify uncertainty and validate model outputs
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly in both written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced environment

Additional Notes
This position is fully remote with occasional in-person meetings as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Role and Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with data scientists, engineers and scientists to develop methods to forecast glacier ice flow and its impact on sea level rise.
  • Integrate domain knowledge into model design and interpret model outputs for physically realistic conditions
  • Develop, adapt, and evaluate probabilistic ML and hybrid physics-ML models for cryospheric processes including ice sheet flow, surface mass balance, and ocean-ice interactions
  • Develop and run large scale numerical simulations of ice dynamics.
  • Process and curate large-scale observational and synthetic datasets (e.g., satellite data, radar sounding and ice sheet model outputs) for use in model training and validation.
  • Identify sensitivities of model outputs to model imperfections of low quality source data or data gaps
  • Participate in regular team research reviews, contributing to and receiving feedback on methods and results

Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Arête Glacier Initiative is a newly launched nonprofit initiative, and as such, we are in the early stages of building our programs and team. This role requires a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to take on diverse tasks as we develop and grow.
We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all of the skills listed above.
Compensation
Compensation for this full-time position is $120,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Arête Glacier Initiative provides a best-in-class comprehensive set of benefits to support the team. All regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive:
Health Benefits & Insurance
  • Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield - Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the premium paid for employees and 85% of dependents)
  • Pre-Tax Health Savings Account (HSA) (with $275 monthly employer contributions)
  • Pre-Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
  • Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse & Dependent Children)
  • Total Pet Plan and Supplemental Wishbone Pet Insurance
  • Employee Opportunity Program (EAP) - Health and Wellness
  • Wellness Reimbursement Program

Retirement
  • 401k Retirement Plan (with 6% matching)

Paid Time Off
  • 15 Days Paid Time Off Per Year
  • 16 Paid Holidays (14 common plus 2 flexible holidays, including Dec 25 - Jan 1)
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave for Moms and Dads (two weeks after first year)

If our mission and vision align with your personal values, please apply!
A cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position along with your resume is required. Interviews will be conducted virtually.
Arête Glacier Initiative is fiscally sponsored by Digital Harbor Foundation. Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.
Digital Harbor and Arête Glacier Initiative are an equal opportunity employer.

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