Postdoc: Microwave Remote Sensing and Radar Instrumentation for Atmospheric Observations

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL); United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision coverage

Wellbeing and retirement plans

Paid time off and learning programs

Rideshare and childcare options

Flexible schedule and parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks a postdoctoral scholar to conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science. The project supports the NASA Earth Science Decadal Survey Incubator and aims to advance radar tech for observing the planetary boundary layer and improving water vapor and cloud measurements.

The selected candidate will develop radar retrieval techniques, investigate measurement errors, and help deploy

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, Applied Physics, or 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, 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.

Responsibilities

• Carry out independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science.
• Develop and evaluate novel microwave radar retrieval techniques and analyze measurement uncertainties.
• Contribute to design, testing, and deployment of advanced radar instrumentation, including mission-related deployments.

Skills

Python or MATLAB

Signal processing techniques

Scientific publications

RF systems knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

RF test equipment (vector network analyzers)

Data acquisition systems

Electronic instrumentation

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.

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 scienceandengineering organizationsandon Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speakandunderstand 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 scienceandtechnology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposalsand hardware,andin communicating funded missions' results to the scientific communityandthe broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientistsandengineers who are passionate about lifelong learningandexcited to both contribute toandlead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundariesandcreating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges.

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.

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 periodandmay be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

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.

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 .