Modeling the surface emissions of natural and anthropogenic trace gases important for atmospheric composition and climate

About the role

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.

Description

This opportunity is closed to applicants who are Senior Fellows (5-years or more past PhD).

The rapidly growing remote sensing data record have provided an extensive collection of observations to improve the emissions and transport of key trace gases, both natural and manmade, that are important for atmospheric composition and climate. This research project seeks to develop innovative approaches to combine satellite measurements from a variety of space-borne instruments, e.g., OMI, TROPOMI, GEMS, TEMPO, PACE, SMAP, with state-of-the-art GEOS chemistry climate model (GEOSCCM) to advance the understanding of emissions of important trace gases for ozone and aerosol photochemistry and their transport in the atmosphere. The targeted trace gases include, but not limited to, CH4 emissions, HCHO and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from biogenic emissions over land, VOCs emissions from human activities, halogen compounds from both oceanic and manmade sources.

Research proposals

• Data analysis of remote sensing measurements of the targeted trace gases to understand the distribution and variability of these trace gases, as well as the atmospheric budget of these gases,
• Utilize remote sensing measurements to improve the emission estimates of these trace gases,
• Use 3-D global chemistry model to investigate the impact of these gases on atmospheric ozone and aerosols and the interaction between atmospheric composition and climate.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in running global 3-D chemistry models and data analysis software.
• Preferences will be given to candidates that have inverse modeling experiences, familiarity with IDL, Fortran, and/or Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence.
• Additional experience with airborne campaign measurements is welcome.

Field of Science

Earth Science

Advisors

N/A

Application Requirements

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Contact Information

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org

Eligibility

• LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Doctoral Degree.

Field of Study

Earth Science