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

California Institute Of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave

Flexible schedule

Rideshare

Childcare

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a highly skilled researcher to lead independent geospatial AI studies, develop machine learning models, and map biomass change from satellite data. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to generate regional and global products.

The role emphasizes publishing peer‑reviewed work, advancing climate and forest carbon science, and applying time-series analyses with SAR/LiDAR data in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

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

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.
• 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.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

R

Geospatial analysis

Machine learning

Time-series analysis

Data assimilation

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in remote sensing / related field

Tools

SAR data processing

LiDAR processing

Cloud-native geospatial workflows

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.

For further benefits information Benefits and Perks 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. EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement 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.

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.). JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.