JPL Postdoc: Spaceborne Retrieval of River Speed

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

11d

About The Position

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by the California Institute of Technology, seeks a postdoctoral researcher in river remote sensing, emphasizing the retrieval of river stream velocity from Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) wide-swath altimetry data. The research will investigate how to estimate cross-sectional average velocity and wave speed along river networks from satellite observations without in situ information, assess the reliability of those estimates, and identify additional observations from SWOT data that can improve understanding of water propagation through river networks. These quantities support applications including river discharge calculation, flood forecasting, sediment-dynamics analysis, and river-channel migration modeling.

The selected researcher will be co-advised by JPL Scientists Dr. Renato Frasson and Dr. Cédric David. The position involves developing scalable, innovative methods using satellite data and may involve stakeholder engagement in a flexible, dynamic project environment. The role is based in Pasadena, California. The stated annual hiring range is $83,820–$83,820.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in geography, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field, earned recently or near completion.
• Proficiency using SWOT datasets at large scales, including pixel cloud, raster, and vector products.
• Ability to develop innovative technical solutions advancing fluvial geomorphology or river hydraulics using satellite data, with a focus on geographic scalability.
• 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 in a flexible, dynamic project environment.
• 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.
• Experience interacting with government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods to retrieve river stream velocity and related wave speed from SWOT wide-swath altimetry data.
• Assess the reliability of satellite-based velocity retrievals without relying on in situ information.
• Investigate additional observations that can be extracted from SWOT data to understand water propagation through river networks.
• Develop innovative technical solutions in fluvial geomorphology or river hydraulics using satellite data that can scale across large geographic regions.
• Reconcile satellite remote-sensing observations with hydraulic or large-scale river-routing models.
• Engage with stakeholders, soliciting and incorporating feedback.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare benefits.
• Childcare.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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