Postdoc: Microwave Remote Sensing and Radar Instrumentation for Atmospheric Observations

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; EUA; Presencial; USD 75 000 - 92 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Health benefits

Dental

Vision

Wellbeing

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning

Rideshare

Childcare

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Resumo da oferta

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a postdoctoral scholar to conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science. You will develop and evaluate retrieval techniques and investigate systematic errors while collaborating with a JPL advisor on open literature publications.

The position focuses on advancing radar technology for Earth Science applications and may involve deployment on NASA aircraft, with a multi-year assignment

Qualificações

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, Applied Physics, or closely related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and measurements using RF test equipment.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science.
• Develop and evaluate microwave radar retrieval techniques and analyze measurement uncertainties.
• Collaborate with a JPL advisor to publish results in open literature.

Conhecimentos

Python

MATLAB

Statistical analysis

Communication

Formação académica

PhD in Electrical Engineering / related field

Ferramentas

Vector network analyzers

Data acquisition systems

Electronic instrumentation

Descrição da oferta de emprego

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. JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges.

The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

JPL’s Submillimeter-Wave Technologies group is searching for a postdoctoral scholar to conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science in support of the NASA Earth Science Decadal Survey Incubator project. This research aims to advance next-generation radar technologies for observing Earth's planetary boundary layer and improving atmospheric water vapor and cloud measurements. The selected postdoc will develop and evaluate novel microwave radar retrieval techniques, investigate sources of systematic measurement error, and contribute to the design, testing, and deployment of advanced radar instrumentation. Research activities may include implementing Doppler radar capabilities to characterize clouds and precipitation, improving water vapor profiling algorithms using advanced statistical approaches, analyzing hardware-induced measurement uncertainties, evaluating high-frequency microwave switch performance, and supporting deployment of JPL’s Vapor Inside-cloud Profiling Radar (VIPR) 170 GHz radar system aboard a NASA aircraft. See https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/site/research/kbcooper/ for JPL publications on this topic.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in microwave or RF systems, radar remote sensing, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and measurements, including RF test equipment (e.g., vector network analyzers), data acquisition systems, and electronic instrumentation.
• Strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Knowledge of signal processing techniques, including statistical analysis, filtering, retrieval algorithms, or uncertainty analysis.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.
• Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA.

Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

Benefits and Perks

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique.

• health
• dental
• vision
• wellbeing
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• learning
• rideshare
• childcare
• flexible schedule
• parental leave

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.

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 SpaceAge 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.