Research Associate

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Pasadena to advance carbon cycle science through satellite observations and computational techniques. The position requires a Ph.D. in Earth science or related field and aims to improve carbon cycle simulations. Responsibilities include identifying model biases and optimizing parameters. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to ongoing NASA research projects while working in an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field required.
• Experience in terrestrial carbon cycle science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Quantify and diagnose model biases in ecosystem responses.
• Identify key model parameters responsible for biases.
• Constrain parameters by minimizing mismatches between simulations and observations.

Skills

Earth science

Data assimilation

Earth system modeling

Climate modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Earth science, mathematics, or related field

Job description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

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.

Position Overview

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focused on advancing carbon cycle science by improving carbon cycle simulations using satellite observations and advanced computational techniques.

Responsibilities

• Quantify and diagnose model biases in ecosystem responses to climatic drivers across different plant functional types and geographic regions.
• Identify key model parameters responsible for these biases.
• Constrain these parameters by minimizing mismatches between simulated and observed sensitivities of carbon cycle variables.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth science, mathematics, or a related field.
• Preferred: experience in terrestrial carbon cycle science, data assimilation, and large‑scale Earth system modeling.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

Junjie Liu ([e-mail]; 818-354-0059)

Eligibility

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]. Point of Contact: Mikeala.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.