JPL Postdoc: Spaceborne Retrieval of River Speed

JPL/NASA • Pasadena, CA

3d

About The Position

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), invites applications for one postdoctoral position in river remote sensing, with an emphasis on retrieving stream velocity from Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) wide-swath altimetry data. The research will explore how to measure river velocity from orbiting satellites without in situ information, assess the reliability of velocity retrievals, and identify other observations from SWOT data that can improve understanding of water propagation through river networks. The work addresses cross-sectional average velocity and flow-wave speed, which are important for river discharge calculations, flood forecasting, sediment dynamics, and river-channel migration. The selected candidate will be co-advised by JPL Scientists Dr. Renato Frasson and Dr. Cédric David.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in geography, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field, earned recently or near completion.
• Proven proficiency using large-scale SWOT datasets, including pixel cloud, raster, and vector products.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative technical solutions advancing fluvial geomorphology or river hydraulics using satellite data, with solutions that scale across vast geographical regions.
• Direct experience reconciling satellite remote-sensing observations with hydraulic models or large-scale river-routing models.
• Proficiency in Python or another programming language for scientific computing and spatial data analysis.
• Willingness to conduct stakeholder engagement and incorporate feedback.
• A strong publication record demonstrating the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience addressing novel problems beyond the scope of standard SWOT products is strongly preferred.
• Experience interacting with government agencies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop research approaches to retrieve river velocity and wave speed from SWOT wide-swath altimetry data without relying on in situ information.
• Assess the reliability of satellite-based river velocity retrievals.
• Investigate novel observations from SWOT data that can advance understanding of water propagation through river networks.
• Develop innovative, scalable technical solutions for fluvial geomorphology or river hydraulics using satellite data.
• Reconcile satellite remote-sensing observations with hydraulic or large-scale river-routing models.
• Conduct stakeholder engagement, soliciting and incorporating feedback in a flexible, dynamic project environment.
• Conduct research independently and collaboratively, and contribute to a strong publication record.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare benefits.
• Childcare.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.
• Work-life balance and support for healthy, fulfilling lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree