Postdoctoral Researcher - Advancing Imaging Spectroscopy Measurements by EMIT on the International Space Station

Job Details

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—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

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.

NASA's EMIT Instrument on the International Space Station is an advanced visible-shortwave infrared imaging spectrometer providing state of the art radiance, reflectance, and advanced data products to a growing user community. Since its launch in 2022, the instrument has acquired hundreds of thousands of images spanning terrestrial and coastal regions on Earth between +/- 52 degrees latitude.  Continual advances in calibration, radiative transfer modeling, and inversion algorithms have refined these products for diverse science and applications communities.  Uses include agriculture and natural resources, hydrology and water quality, geology and prospecting, atmospheric studies, and more.  By providing a near-global dataset of solar reflectance data at 60 m sampling, EMIT provides the power of field-grade spectroscopy at a human scale which is useful for local decisions.

The postdoctoral researcher will participate on the EMIT core team to improve EMIT data products for the next mission phase and support of the growing science community.  Relevant studies span the whole range of EMIT mission activities, including, but not limited to:

- Automation of instrument calibration maintenance, including in-flight radiometric calibration from invariant surfaces;

- Improvements in atmospheric correction to use refined spectral calibration understanding;

- Radiative transfer modeling and inversion to support novel application areas in hydrology and aquatic studies;

- Assessment of open source radiative transfer models (ERADIATE, ARTS, etc.) for use on EMIT data;

- Investigations to study, validate, and/or refine existing EMIT products, such as global maps of mineral composition, photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic vegetation fraction;

- Investigations using novel EMIT datasets such as spectroscopic time series;

EMIT is an interdisciplinary team, with a wide range of backgrounds ranging from physics to mathematics, to field science.  Rather than prescribe specific qualifications, we anticipate forming a research plan that matches mission needs with the specific expertise and interests of the individual.  

More generally, however, we seek candidates with:

- A demonstrated track record of publication using remote sensing or imaging spectroscopy data.  

- Technical ability including a strong foundation in the mathematical and computer science principles of remote measurement. 

- The ability to work with a larger research and development team, contributing to common code and manuscripts.  

- Creativity and initiative in initiating and developing new research directions.

Required Qualifications:

- PhD

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.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

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.

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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.