Postdoc: Millimeter-Wave Radar Systems, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in RF Remote Sensing Systems and Technology to bridge radar hardware development with science applications. The position focuses on millimeter-wave radar for atmospheric remote sensing and enables innovative cloud and precipitation observations.

The successful candidate will develop calibration techniques, retrieval algorithms, and machine learning approaches for radar data, analyze large atmospheric datasets, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a closely related field such as electrical engineering, atmospheric science, or remote sensing.
• Experience in radar remote sensing or RF/microwave systems.
• Proficient in Python or MATLAB and analyzing large datasets.
• Strong publication record and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on millimeter-wave radar systems for atmospheric remote sensing.
• Develop and evaluate calibration techniques, retrieval algorithms, and data analysis methods.
• Apply machine learning and statistical approaches to radar measurements and geophysical retrievals.
• Support radar system characterization, testing, and performance evaluation.
• Analyze large observational datasets and develop software tools for scientific data processing.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning radar hardware development, remote sensing science, and data analytics.

Skills

Radar remote sensing

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Publications

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, Physics, Computer Science, Earth Science, or related field

Tools

RF instrumentation

Microwave instrumentation

Scientific computing tools

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 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 RF Remote Sensing Systems and Technology Section is seeking a postdoc who will serve as a key bridge between radar hardware development and science applications, conducting research that advances end-to-end radar system performance and enables innovative approaches for cloud and precipitation observations. The position offers opportunities to develop and apply machine learning techniques to radar observations, improve calibration and retrieval methodologies, analyze large atmospheric datasets, and publish high-impact scientific results that advance the state of the art in microwave remote sensing.

Research Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on millimeter-wave radar systems for atmospheric remote sensing.
• Develop and evaluate calibration techniques, retrieval algorithms, and advanced data analysis methods for cloud and precipitation observations.
• Apply machine learning and statistical approaches to radar measurements and geophysical retrievals.
• Support radar system characterization, testing, and performance evaluation.
• Analyze large observational datasets and develop software tools for scientific data processing.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning radar hardware development, remote sensing science, and data analytics.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, Physics, Computer Science, Earth Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience in radar remote sensing, RF systems, microwave instrumentation, or related experimental research.
• Strong background in scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
• Experience analyzing large scientific datasets using statistical or computational methods.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and excellent written and oral 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 four 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 an 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.