Postdoc: Millimeter-Wave Cloud Radar Remote Sensing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Wellbeing program

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare assistance

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites a postdoc to develop and apply advanced retrieval algorithms for cloud radar observations, leveraging Bayesian methods and multi‑frequency datasets. You will work with Python, contribute to field campaigns, and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.

The position emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, with opportunities to influence next‑generation remote sensing missions and NASA programs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in atmospheric physics, cloud microphysics, or radar remote sensing.
• Experience developing or applying remote sensing retrieval algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python and scientific data analysis.
• Experience working with large observational or model datasets.
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in cloud microphysics and atmospheric remote sensing.
• Develop and implement retrieval algorithms for millimeter‑wave cloud radar observations using Bayesian inverse methods.
• Analyze G‑band CloudCube and other multi‑frequency cloud radar datasets.
• Process, analyze, and interpret large atmospheric and remote sensing datasets using Python and scientific computing tools.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance future radar remote sensing technologies.

Skills

Remote sensing

Python

Scientific data analysis

Large datasets

Peer‑reviewed publications

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Science

PhD in Earth Science

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.

The postdoc will develop and apply advanced retrieval algorithms to improve the understanding of cloud microphysical properties using ground‑based, airborne, and future space‑borne radar observations. Research will include the application of Bayesian inverse methods, cloud microphysics modeling, and quantitative analysis of large atmospheric datasets to advance remote sensing capabilities and support next‑generation Earth science missions. The successful candidate will also participate in the analysis of observations from field campaigns, including the North American Upstream Feature‑Resolving and Tropopause Uncertainty Reconnaissance Experiment (NURTURE) and Clouds And Precipitation Experiment at kennaook (CAPE‑k) campaigns, and help prepare the scientific foundation for future multi‑frequency cloud radar missions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in cloud microphysics and atmospheric remote sensing.
• Develop and implement retrieval algorithms for millimeter‑wave cloud radar observations using Bayesian inverse methods.
• Analyze G‑band CloudCube and other multi‑frequency cloud radar datasets.
• Process, analyze, and interpret large atmospheric and remote sensing datasets using Python and scientific computing tools.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance future radar remote sensing technologies.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Remote Sensing, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in atmospheric physics, cloud microphysics, or radar remote sensing.
• Experience developing or applying remote sensing retrieval algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python and scientific data analysis.
• Experience working with large observational or model datasets.
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed scientific publications.

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.

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 click 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.