About this Postdoc: Satellite-based urban CO2 and air pollutant emissions role at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re 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.
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate urban fossil fuel CO₂ and air pollutant emissions using satellite observations, emission inventories, and data assimilation. The research will characterize spatial and temporal emission patterns across major cities worldwide, from city to sub-city scales, and examine their relationships with urban development, emission sources, and mitigation strategies.
The researcher will combine satellite-based CO₂ emission estimates from OCO-2/3 with air pollutant emission estimates informed by observations from TEMPO, GEMS, and TROPOMI, leveraging JPL’s MOMO-Chem and CMS-Flux systems. Key activities include analyzing urban emission distributions, trends, comparing satellite-based estimates with multiple emission inventories; and applying the modified environmental Kuznets curve (MEKC) framework to examine emission changes in relation to economic development and mitigation efforts.
The research will advance understanding of urban emission processes, inform improvements to emission inventories, and support the assessment of climate and air quality mitigation strategies. The researcher is expected to develop reproducible analysis methods, collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams, and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Candidate Qualifications:
- PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Geophysics, Environmental Sciences, or a related technical discipline
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of atmospheric composition and related fields
- Experience with python and similar languages.
- Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills
- Experience working in a team environment
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Peer-reviewed publications related to atmospheric composition modelling and/or their utilization for Earth system science research
The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.
Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoctoral Scholar 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.
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 employee’s 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 candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$83,820 - $83,820JPL 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.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
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 U.S. Citizens, 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.
