Multiple Natural Hazards Ionospheric Remote Sensing Using Ground and Space-Based GPS Measurements

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is offering unique research opportunities through the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) for talented scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. This fellowship focuses on advancing NASA's missions in Earth science, specifically addressing natural hazards through innovative GPS technologies.

Eligible candidates must hold a Doctoral Degree. Ideal for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents, the program includes opportunities to engage in significant research applicable to real-world challenges.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree is required for eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on natural hazards using GPS data.
• Develop innovative technologies for measuring TEC perturbations.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0089-NPP-NOV26-JPL-EarthSci

Application Deadline

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

Description

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.

Natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, have been significant threats to humans throughout recorded history. The Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites have become primary sensors to measure signatures associated with such natural hazards. These signatures typically include GPS‑derived seismic deformation measurements, co‑seismic vertical displacements, and real‑time GPS‑derived ocean buoy positioning estimates. Another way to use GPS observables is to compute the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) to measure and monitor ionospheric disturbances caused by earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and tsunamis. We conduct research and develop new and innovative technologies that may be used for detecting natural‑hazards‑generated TEC perturbations including earthquakes and tsunamis. Furthermore, volcanic eruptions and nuclear tests can generate TEC perturbations which may potentially be detected using the same technology. This research area directly addresses NASA Strategic Goals and Outcome 2.1 and Objective 2.1.6 “Characterize the dynamics of Earth’s surface and interior and form the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards and response to rare and extreme events.”

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

Attila Komjathy
[e-mail]
818-393-6828

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.

Eligibility 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

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail].
Point of Contact: Mikeala