Scientist – Ecosystem and Biodiversity

The Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems group in the Earth Science Section at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking a scientist to be responsible for research, algorithm evaluation and modeling in support of the Surface Biology and Geology project, a Designated Observable designated by the National Research Council’s Decadal Survey of Earth Science and Applications, being studied for flight later in the decade.  SBG will include an imaging spectrometer and a thermal imager.  This position will emphasize the spectrometer, and the successful candidate will work closely with the thermal imaging team. The position will involve a mix of basic research and mission support science.  The successful candidate will perform theoretical studies and make use of the Japanese HISUI instrument, the German DESIS instrument and the Italian PRISMA spectrometer as well as NASA aircraft data to advance imaging spectroscopy science to support ecosystem science and biodiversity studies. This position will provide critical support for SBG when the study moves into formulation and execution and directly supports a Decadal Survey flight project. You will work closely with the NASA and domestic and international science team investigators to advance imaging spectroscopy for ecosystem science and biodiversity studies, lead both research and technical algorithm, instrument performance requirements, and traceability modeling efforts and support other science team activities. The scientist will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international team environment, harnessing the unique capabilities of satellites, airborne and modeling assets to enable exploiting the new capabilities enabled by on-orbit imaging spectrometers and thermal imagers.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Ecology, Geography, Atmospheric Science, Geophysics or a related technical discipline with a focus in terrestrial ecology, biodiversity or vegetation science, and technical knowledge of remote sensing science, especially imaging spectroscopy, and demonstrated ability to publish work in scientific journals and good written and oral communication skills.

To view the full description of this unique opportunity (including EEO statement and NASA requirements) and apply, please visit:

Applications received by February 25, 2021 will receive full consideration.