Earth Science: Remote Sensing and Modeling of Surface Water Processes

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious space research organization is seeking a post-doctoral candidate in hydrological sciences at its Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The candidate will engage in research on surface water hydrology, focusing on modeling capabilities of water storage and stream discharge through remote sensing. Applicants should hold a Doctoral Degree and possess experience in related fields. This role is part of a competitive fellowship program aimed at advancing NASA's research missions.

Qualifications

• Experience or interest in surface water hydrology is essential.
• Familiarity with modeling estuaries is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and research skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive understanding and modeling of surface water storage and stream discharge.
• Collaborate with lab members on NASA research projects.
• Utilize remote sensing data for hydrological modeling.

Skills

Remote sensing

Modeling surface water storage

Data assimilation techniques

Heat and mass transport modeling

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0100‑NPP‑NOV26‑GSFC‑EarthSci

Overview

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly‑talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA‑affiliated research institute. These one‑to‑three‑year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Position

The Hydrological Sciences Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a post‑doctoral candidate in the area of surface water hydrology. The new candidate will work with other members of the Lab toward developing a comprehensive understanding and modeling capability of surface water storage (liquid and frozen) and stream discharge over a wide range of scales, using remote sensing. This may also include experience or interests in modeling estuaries, as well as heat, mass, and chemical transport modeling for inland and coastal water applications. Familiarity with data assimilation techniques is also desired.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements.

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline: 11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone.

Eligibility

This opportunity is closed to applicants who are Senior Fellows (5 years or more past PhD).

Eligibility is currently open to:

• 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 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility Requirements: Doctoral Degree.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Advisors

Michael F. Jasinski – [e-mail] – 301‑614‑5782

Frederick S. Policelli – [e-mail] – 301‑614‑6573

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail].