Postdoc: Microwave Remote Sensing and Radar Instrumentation for Atmospheric Observations

JPL/NASA • Pasadena, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

JPL’s Submillimeter-Wave Technologies group is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science in support of the NASA Earth Science Decadal Survey Incubator project. The research aims to advance next-generation radar technologies for observing Earth’s planetary boundary layer and improving atmospheric water vapor and cloud measurements.

The selected scholar will develop and evaluate microwave radar retrieval techniques, investigate systematic measurement errors, and contribute to the design, testing, and deployment of advanced radar instrumentation. Activities may include implementing Doppler radar capabilities to characterize clouds and precipitation; improving water vapor profiling algorithms using advanced statistical approaches; analyzing hardware-induced measurement uncertainties; evaluating high-frequency microwave switch performance; and supporting deployment of JPL’s Vapor Inside-cloud Profiling Radar (VIPR) 170 GHz radar system aboard a NASA aircraft.

The appointee will conduct research in collaboration with a JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature. Postdoctoral appointments are for at least one year and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Applicants must submit a CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter describing research accomplishments and interests. Applicants may be subject to additional NASA program requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in microwave or RF systems, radar remote sensing, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and measurements, including RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers, data acquisition systems, and electronic instrumentation.
• Strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Knowledge of signal processing techniques, including statistical analysis, filtering, retrieval algorithms, or uncertainty analysis.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in microwave remote sensing, radar instrumentation, and atmospheric science.
• Develop and evaluate novel microwave radar retrieval techniques.
• Investigate sources of systematic measurement error.
• Contribute to the design, testing, and deployment of advanced radar instrumentation.
• Potentially implement Doppler radar capabilities to characterize clouds and precipitation.
• Potentially improve water vapor profiling algorithms using advanced statistical approaches.
• Analyze hardware-induced measurement uncertainties.
• Evaluate high-frequency microwave switch performance.
• Support deployment of JPL’s VIPR 170 GHz radar system aboard a NASA aircraft.
• Collaborate with a JPL advisor and publish research in the open literature.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Wellbeing and retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Learning opportunities
• Rideshare
• Childcare
• Flexible schedule
• Parental leave
• Informal mentoring network, annual postdoctoral conference, dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community

What This Job Offers

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