Oceanographic Lidar Remote Sensing and Field Campaign Intern

We are seeking a highly motivated summer intern to join our team in advancing ocean remote sensing technologies. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of active remote sensing, mathematical modeling, and oceanography. The successful candidate will focus on simulating and analyzing lidar ocean measurements to better understand underwater optical properties, while also providing critical support for upcoming multi-platform field campaigns. This work will directly contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems and help bridge the gap between in-situ active sensors and global satellite observations, particularly in support of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission.

This part‑time internship lasts up to one year and includes about 10 hours of work per week, offering steady involvement in ongoing projects and meaningful skill development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Simulation Development: Utilize Monte Carlo programming techniques to develop and refine lidar simulations, modeling the complex propagation of light in the ocean under various environmental and physical conditions.

• Lidar Data Analysis: Analyze active lidar ocean measurements, with a specific focus on extracting and interpreting backscatter, attenuation, and depolarization data.

• Field Campaign Support: Actively participate in the planning, logistical preparation, and execution of upcoming field campaigns to gather validation data. Campaigns will involve coordinated aircraft and ship-based deployments, with the primary focus on shipboard operations.

• Technical Knowledge: A working knowledge of (or strong academic background related to) using active lidar systems for ocean remote sensing applications.

• Satellite Mission Familiarity: An understanding of the measurements and capabilities of satellite remote sensors, with particular emphasis on the NASA PACE mission and its ocean color/aerosol objectives.

• Academic Background: Pursuing a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Oceanography, Atmospheric Science, or a related STEM field.