Informing conservation practices through the use of novel remote sensing datasets

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research fellowship program in the United States seeks a PhD candidate in Environmental Science or related fields for the NASA Postdoctoral Program. The role involves utilizing NASA Earthdata to assess ecological conditions and engage in cutting-edge research that impacts ecosystem health. Applicants should have strong programming skills in Matlab or Python, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication abilities. This position offers a unique opportunity for collaboration on applied science projects in Southern Africa.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field.
• Creative and motivated candidates are desired.
• Familiarity with big data processing is beneficial.
• Experience in processing big data and satellite data is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Utilize NASA Earthdata for ecological assessment.
• Engage with collaborators in Southern Africa.
• Contribute to research on invasive species and ecosystem health.
• Contribute to NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or affiliated institute.

Skills

Strong scientific background

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Programming skills (Matlab, Python)

Experience with satellite data

Detail-oriented

Ability to work independently

Education

PhD in Environmental Science, Earth System Science, Hydrology, Physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0309-NPP-NOV26-JPL-EarthSci

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).

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

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

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.

We are seeking a talented and motivated individual who will utilize NASA Earthdata— primarily EMIT, ECOSTRESS, and potentially PACE—to assess ecological conditions and support applied conservation goals. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and make a tangible impact on ecosystem health and functionality in Southern Africa and can be applied in other locations. This research also involves substantial engagement with prospective collaborators in the region. The project may involve detection and study of invasive alien plants, fire regime disruption, occurrence of soil erosion, spatial and temporal variation in biocrusts, and changes in ecosystem health and functionality.

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

• Christine Lee
  [e-mail]
  [phone]
• Kerry Cawse-Nicholson
  [e-mail]
  [phone]

Eligibility

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.

• 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

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]

Qualifications

Applicants should have a PhD in Environmental Science, Earth System Science, Hydrology, Physics, or a related field. We seek a creative and highly motivated person with strong scientific background and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. The candidate must be detail oriented, be able to work both independently and in close collaboration with others, should have excellent abilities in programming (Matlab, Python, or similar) and be familiar with processing big data. Prior experience of working with existing satellite data is regarded as merits. The candidate also should have an interest in working on an applied science project.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.