Scientist, Stratosphere and Upper Troposphere Group

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology invites applications for a full-time Scientist position in the Stratosphere and Upper Troposphere group in the Earth Science Section at JPL.  The successful candidate will join the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) science team and conduct research on a range of topics in measurement science and atmospheric composition and cloud science.  Scientific responsibilities will include using satellite remote sensing measurements, in particular from passive and active microwave sounders and visible and infrared imagers.  The work involves investigation of a range of atmospheric processes, with a particular focus on the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.  In addition to scientific research, the position entails work developing, implementing, refining, and maintaining retrieval algorithms for passive and active microwave remote sounding instruments and measurement concepts.  Thus, along with expertise in atmospheric science, this position requires strong programming and scripting skills.  The selected individual will be working in a highly collaborative flight project and research environment and will interact with other scientists in the group and elsewhere, present their research at domestic and international scientific meetings and conferences, publish their findings in peer-reviewed journal articles, develop proposals for NASA ROSES solicitations and other funding opportunities, and participate in establishing the science foundation and requirements for future atmospheric science missions.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, or a related technical discipline,
• Advanced knowledge of a range of satellite-based remote sensing methodologies, including passive sounding and imaging techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in optimal estimation in the context of remote sensing.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying machine learning approaches in the context of remote sensing.
• Expertise in the evaluation of the impacts of clouds on atmospheric remote sounding observations.
• Extensive understanding and wide application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in using large satellite-based Earth science data sets.
• Experience with validation of remotely-sensed data products involving large datasets.
• Experience in conceiving and conducting independent scientific research, with a strong interest in applying those efforts to satellite remote sensing of atmospheric composition and cloud processes in Earth’s upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
• Established reputation as a researcher as evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals and presentations at major international scientific meetings and conferences.
• Excellent strong oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise and strong skills in scientific software development.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in carrying out independent research in atmospheric science.
• Familiarity with radiative transfer algorithms, particularly those for the microwave region of the spectrum.
• Practical experience with development and testing of remote sensing algorithms for large-scale and/or long-term routine data processing.
• Extensive familiarity with state-of-the-art science data analysis software (IDL, numpy/scipy, etc.)
• Strong aptitude in the art and science of data visualization.
• Ability to contribute to the scientific analysis of the geophysical datasets that will result from the algorithm development activities.
• Persistence, creativity, and willingness to try new approaches to overcome challenging problems.

To view the full description of this unique opportunity (including EEO statement and NASA requirements) and apply, please visit: https://www.jpl.jobs/job/R523/Scientist-Stratosphere-and-Upper-Troposphere-Group.

Applications received by September 7, 2021 will receive full consideration.