New Algorithms and Science Data Processing for Hyperspectral Imagery

ORAU; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is looking for a post-doctoral fellow to engage in NASA research projects related to Earth Science, especially in implementing science algorithms for imaging spectroscopy data processing. Candidates must hold a Doctoral Degree and be eligible as U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or J-1 visa holders. This role offers a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to contribute to a high-visibility NASA mission. Applications are due by 11/1/2026, and interested individuals should email [e-mail] for inquiries.

Qualifications

• Field: Earth Science
• Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Foreign Nationals eligible for J-1 visa status.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing science algorithms for processing imaging spectroscopy data from Level 0 to Level 3.
• Develop own research algorithms suitable for SBG-like datasets.
• Contribute to the data processing architecture for the SBG precursor activity.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Overview

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0076-NPP-NOV26-ARC-EarthSci

Location: Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, California

Field of Science: Earth Science

Advisors: Ian G Brosnan; Jon Jenkins

Point of Contact: Mikeala

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellett

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

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.

To prepare for the upcoming Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) hyperspectral observing system, NASA is embarking on a new activity that will provide the scientific community with SBG-like data products from airborne and space-borne imaging spectroscopy missions. NASA Ames Research Center is adapting its automated science processing operations for the SBG precursor activity and seeks a post-doctoral fellow to assist with implementing science algorithms for processing imaging spectroscopy data from its raw state (Level 0) through to global gridded data products (Level 3). The fellow will also have the opportunity to develop their own research algorithms suitable for use with SBG-like datasets. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career scientist to advance research interests while contributing to a high-visibility Earth Science mission.

The Surface Biology & Geology observing system will examine ground and water temperature, snow reflectivity, active geologic processes, vegetation traits, and algal biomass using hyperspectral imagery in the visible and shortwave infrared and multi- or hyperspectral imagery in the thermal infrared. Details on NASA data processing levels can be found at NASA Earthdata.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing science algorithms for processing imaging spectroscopy data from Level 0 to Level 3.
• Develop own research algorithms suitable for SBG-like datasets.
• Contribute to the data processing architecture for the SBG precursor activity.

Qualifications

• Field: Earth Science
• Degree: Doctoral Degree
• Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Foreign Nationals eligible for J-1 visa status; applicants for LPR/asylees/refugees with required documentation

Eligibility Details

Eligibility is 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 with 1) valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.

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

Legal and compliance: This position includes standard eligibility statements and references listed in the original posting.