Postdoc: Millimeter-Wave Cloud Radar Remote Sensing

About the Role

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 is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL offers a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. 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 spaceborne 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.

Requirements

• 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.

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with a JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

Benefits

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 opportunities, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave, and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance and living healthy, fulfilling lives. For benefits-eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

Pay

The typical full-time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California is $83,820.