AN INNOVATIVE IN SITU SENSOR FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS OF EXTINCTION COEFFICIENTS AND LIDAR RAT[...]

ORAU; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research firm in California is seeking candidates with a PhD in physical sciences to characterize a new instrument for measuring aerosol and cloud properties. Ideal applicants should have experience with analytical instrumentation, strong communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively on scientific projects. Additional desirable qualifications include expertise in aerosol measurement and experience with data analysis software. This role may involve occasional travel for deployment.

Qualifications

• PhD in the physical sciences, preferably Physics, Chemistry, or Atmospheric Sciences.
• Previous laboratory and/or field experience.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation for atmospheric measurements.

Responsibilities

• Characterize a new in situ instrument for aerosol and cloud measurements.
• Use the new instrument to investigate lidar ratios of different aerosol types.
• Collaborate with team members on various atmospheric science projects.

Skills

Experience with analytical instrumentation for atmospheric measurements

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work as a member of a team

Experience combining multiple data sources into scientific analyses

Education

PhD in physical sciences or relevant engineering discipline

Tools

Data analysis software packages

Job description

Description

We seek candidates that will characterize a new in situ instrument that was developed to demonstrate accurate measurements of extinction coefficients and lidar ratios of tiny particles known as "aerosols," and clouds for the first time. The new instrument takes advantage of most up‑to‑date optical instrumentation developed in the quantum optics community to provide the most accurate in‑situ measurements of optical properties (extinction coefficient and backscatter coefficient) of clouds and aerosols. The spectral lidar ratios can provide important physical properties of clouds and aerosols, such as size, shape, and chemical composition and are needed for the interpretation of the space‑based lidar measurements such as the CALIPSO and ICESat‑2 missions. We encourage projects focusing on the use of the new instrument to investigate the lidar ratios of different aerosol types in an environmental chamber. Current projects in our lab range from theoretical and experimental atmospheric science into radiative transfer, climate dynamics, remote sensing of the land surface, aerosols, clouds, and climate change. In‑house capabilities include design and development of novel airborne instruments for aerosol, cloud, and trace gas systems.

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

• Charles Gatebe – [e-mail] – [phone]
• Zhaoyan Liu – [e-mail] – [phone]

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status

Qualifications

• PhD in the physical sciences, preferably Physics, Chemistry, or Atmospheric Sciences, or a relevant Engineering discipline.
• Previous laboratory and/or field experience.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation for atmospheric measurements.
• Experience combining multiple data sources into scientific analyses.
• Ability to work as a member of a team on various projects.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Occasional deployment travel may be necessary.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of data analysis software packages.
• Demonstrated success in collaborative environments.
• Expertise in aerosol measurement.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.