Job detailsJob TypeFull-timeLocation4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109+ Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributorsBenefitsPulled from the full job descriptionDental insuranceFlexible scheduleHealth insurancePaid time offParental leaveRetirement planShow 1 more benefitFull Job Description
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New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. Thats our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answersliterally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your missionyour opportunityis to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If youre driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, youre 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.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL’s science and engineering organizations and Caltech’s academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines’ languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity’s core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and communicating funded missions’ results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration’s challenges. The postdocs at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

How does liquid fresh water flow from summit to sea? How can we use the vantage point of orbiting satellites to understand the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of the Earth? How should future satellites be designed to best observe continental water dynamics? How can we build global monitoring systems to help manage water resources and mitigate hydrologic disasters? Your mission – your opportunity – is to bring us closer to answering these fundamental questions of hydrological science! If you are driven to discover, invent, and encourage future generations, you are ready for JPL.

JPL seeks applications for 1-3 postdoctoral positions in modeling and remote sensing of Earths rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with emphasis on radar capabilities (e.g. nadir, wide swath, synthetic aperture). This opportunity is specifically designed in support of the upcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission and of the conceptual SMall Altimetry Satellites for Hydrology (SMASH) mission.

The research will use numerical models, in situ observations, and satellite remote sensing with a focus on Earths surface waters to advance hydrologic science. Example research endeavors include: 1) Evaluating the current state-of-knowledge for the global spatiotemporal variability of rivers and lakes; 2) Investigating hypothetical satellite measurement strategies for future space missions focusing on surface water hydrology; and 3) Developing state-of-the-art global modeling and observing system capabilities in support of surface water monitoring. The selected candidate(s) will use and contribute to the development of the Routing Application for Parallel computation of Discharge (RAPID) and its associated pre/post- processing toolbox in the context of past, current, and planned Earth orbiting missions that observe surface water. The position(s) may involve a variety of national and international collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications:
Candidates should have a PhD in hydrology, civil engineering, geosciences, or a related discipline at the start of employment. A strong publication record in international peer-reviewed journals is preferred. Expertise in (or strong interest in learning) how to execute numerical models for geosciences is preferred; including but not limited to NASAs RAPID or similar river routing models. Expertise in analysis of surface water remote sensing data is valued; including but not limited to altimetry from AirSWOT, TOPEX/Jason/Sentinel 6 or ERS/EnviSat/Sentinel 3. Proficiency in a varied computer-programming environments (Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Python, Linux Shell Scripting, Amazon Web Services, Google Earth Engine, etc.) will be prioritized. Experience with community software development and open-source programming will be highly valued.

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

If at all available, candidates are encouraged to include links to example hydrologic data analysis or modeling programs they built (e.g. GitHub, BitBucket) or to datasets they published (e.g. Zenodo, Figshare) in their cover letter.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc 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.

Application deadline of Feb 28, 2023

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 employees 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 candidates job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$82,180 – $82,180

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 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.

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