Tropical Forest Carbon Cycle

The Tropical Forest Carbon Cycle postdoctoral position at ORAU, in collaboration with NASA, focuses on remote sensing research related to tropical forest carbon dynamics. Candidates with a PhD in Earth Science and expertise in remote sensing are sought. The position is based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, and involves data fusion of optical and microwave sensors. Applications are due by 11/1/2026.
Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0117-NPP-NOV26-JPL-EarthSci

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

Research proposalThree letters of recommendationOfficial doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description:

Sassan Saatchi at the Radar Science and Engineering Section of JPL invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the area of remote sensing of tropical forest carbon cycle, including carbon stocks and dynamics. The successful candidate will work on a research problem involving data fusion and synergism of optical and microwave sensors to estimate and map above ground forest structure, biomass, and changes from anthropogenic and climate impacts in tropical regions.

The research project has been supported by NASA's Terrestrial Ecology and Carbon Cycle Program and has been designed to examine and develop remote sensing techniques that can eventually help in developing spaceborne sensors for mapping and monitoring global forest carbon stock and dynamics.

A PhD in any related Earth Science disciplines is required at the time of the appointment. Applicants are anticipated to have a strong background in remote sensing techniques, engineering, physics, stastical techniques, and programming. Candiidates with experience in forest ecology and remote sensing of vegetation are preferred.

Location:

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Pasadena, California

Field of Science:Earth Science

Advisors:

Sasan Saatchi

Sasan.S.Saatchi@jpl.nasa.gov

818-354-1051

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

U.S. Citizens;U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

Degree: Doctoral Degree.