Postdoc: Surface RTM and Inversion Algorithms
Job Description
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.
Description:
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.
This position is part of a larger initiative within our Uncertainty Quantification and Statistical Analysis group, aimed at advancing the development of core retrieval algorithms for remote sensing applications while capturing and propagating uncertainties. The project focuses on enhancing our understanding and estimation of surface properties using cutting-edge radiative transfer models and inversion algorithms. Our group leverages data from Visible Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) and Thermal Infrared (TIR) instruments to drive innovations in Earth observation science.
The Uncertainty Quantification and Statistical Analysis group is seeking a postdoc who will be focusing on core retrieval algorithms. The postdoc will develop physics-informed, statistically based, and mathematically rigorous forward models and inverse solutions to estimate surface properties from at-sensor orbital and airborne radiance measurements from VSWIR and TIR instruments. The role includes incorporating topography and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) formulations into these models and maturing inversion algorithms that couple surface Radiative Transfer Models (RTMs) with atmospheric RTMs such as MODTRAN. The development of these models and solutions will contribute to high-impact publications in leading scientific journals.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Environmental Science, or Geography.
- Strong expertise in mathematics and statistics.
- Proficiency in Python programming, including key science and math modules.
- Experience developing surface RTM models based on Hapke’s formulations.
- Hands-on experience with semi-physical canopy reflectance models such as PROSAIL.
- Proficiency in object-oriented programming with Python.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with MODTRAN or similar atmospheric RTMs.
- Familiarity with topographic and BRDF corrections in remote sensing.
- Proven track record of publications in relevant scientific journals.
The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.
Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.
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.
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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$82,180 – $82,180
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.
