JPL Postdoc - Remote Sensing Data Analytics for Mapping and Modeling Forest Carbon Change and Vulnerability to Climate

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA, invites applicants for a senior research role focusing on machine learning and geospatial analysis of forest biomass change. The successful candidate will develop algorithms, work with SAR/LiDAR data, and lead publications in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

The role requires a PhD or near completion and strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R, with a track record of quantitative research and peer‑reviewed work.

Qualifications

• PhD (completed or near completion) in remote sensing, computer science, environmental science/engineering, statistics/mathematics, ecology, geography, or related field with forest applications.
• Experience with quantitative geospatial and satellite data analysis, including SAR and/or LiDAR remote sensing.
• Strong skills in advanced machine learning (time-series; generative/foundation AI) and data assimilation or ecosystem-model coupling.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R and solid statistical background.
• Track record of quantitative research and peer‑reviewed publications; ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research within a collaborative team using machine learning to map biomass change.
• Perform geospatial analyses of climate, land-use change, and biomass dynamics using satellite and airborne data.
• Develop and document algorithms and reproducible code for data processing and science products.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed publications and present results to interdisciplinary stakeholders.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Machine learning

Python

Statistics

Education

PhD in remote sensing / CS / environmental science / statistics

Tools

SAR

LiDAR

Job description

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research within a collaborative team using machine learning and process-based models to generate regional and global products and advance understanding of drivers of carbon stock change.
• Main areas of research will be selected from the following:
• Geospatial analysis of climate, disturbance (land use change, logging, mortality), fire fuel loads, and biomass/carbon dynamics across tropical forests
• Analysis of the accuracy of forest biomass change maps based on satellite, airborne, and forest inventory inputs.
• Development of advance machine learning models including generative and foundational AI to map time series of biomass change from airborne and satellite data
• Develop, implement, and document algorithms and reproducible code for data processing, analysis, and science-product generation.
• Lead preparation of peer-reviewed publications and present results to interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Desired qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion in remote sensing, computer science, environmental science/engineering, statistics/mathematics, ecology, geography, or a closely related field, with relevant experience in forest applications.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative geospatial and satellite data analysis, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and/or LiDAR forest remote-sensing methods.
• Proficiency in advanced machine learning (including time-series methods and experience with generative/foundation AI models) and data-assimilation or ecosystem-model coupling.
• Strong programming skills in scientific languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R) and solid statistical background.
• Track record of quantitative research and peer-reviewed publications, and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary, collaborative teams.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience with carbon monitoring systems, forest inventory data, cloud-native geospatial workflows, or large-scale remote-sensing product development. Experience working across tropical ecosystems and with stakeholder-relevant applications (policy, management, MRV).

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,820 - $83,820

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here .