Remote sensing of snow parameters in support of Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) mission

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.

Responsibilities

Candidates will use hyperspectral imagery in the visible and shortwave infrared; multi- or hyperspectral imagery in the thermal IR to answer basic questions in snow albedo to help improve estimation of rates of snow accumulation, snowmelt, ice melt, and sublimation from snow and ice worldwide at scales driven by topographic variability. Projects will focus on the use of machine learning tools to do snow parameters retrievals. Current projects in the lab range from theoretical and experimental atmospheric science into radiative transfer, climate dynamics, remote sensing of the land surface, aerosols, clouds, and climate change. In-house capabilities include design and development of novel airborne instruments for aerosol, cloud and trace gases systems. For the past year, the lab hosted a community workshop on snow albedo, whose report will provide additional background on a full range of snow albedo questions.

Requirements

• Doctoral Degree
• Use of hyperspectral imagery in the visible and shortwave infrared; multi- or hyperspectral imagery in the thermal IR to answer basic questions in snow albedo
• Focus on the use of machine learning tools to do snow parameters retrievals
• Experience with theoretical and experimental atmospheric science, radiative transfer, climate dynamics, remote sensing of the land surface, aerosols, clouds, and climate change
• In-house capabilities in design and development of novel airborne instruments for aerosol, cloud and trace gases systems
• Participation in a community workshop on snow albedo

Qualifications

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.

Skills

Knowledge of hyperspectral and thermal imaging techniques, experience with machine learning tools, ability to conduct research in atmospheric science, climate dynamics, and remote sensing.

Benefits

One- to three-year fellowships designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Mikeala

Application Instructions

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes: Research proposal, Three letters of recommendation, Official doctoral transcript documents, Application Deadline: November 1st, 2026, 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone, How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
• 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

Questions

Please email npp@orau.org for inquiries about this opportunity.