A postdoctoral position is open at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California to join the team to work on SWOT-related oceanography projects. The researcher will work on meausurement validation of the pathfinder mission SWOT, analyzing and applying SWOT SSH through innovative approaches such as geospatial analyses, data assimilation and machine learning in combination with other remote sensing and in-situ data, and the insights into geophysical fluid dynamics.
The oceanography team of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission at JPL invites motivated postdoctoral candidates to join the team to work on SWOT-related oceanography projects.
The SWOT mission will launch the satellite in late 2022. This is the first satellite mission that produces wide-swath altimetry measurements with a high spatial resolution. With SWOT, the global sea surface height (SSH) maps are anticipated to increase its spatial resolution down to tens of kilometers, which can be used to study mesoscale and smaller mesoscale ocean circulation and their climate impact, as well as internal gravity waves and coastal circulation.
However, challenges lie ahead. Being a pathfinder mission, SWOT requires rigorous measurement validation. In addition, high-resolution swaths with a long revisit time (~10 days in mid-latitude), results in challenges in the application of SWOT SSH to ocean and climate sciences. Validating, analyzing, and applying SWOT SSH will require innovative approaches that involve applying geospatial analyses, data assimilation and machine learning in combination with other remote sensing and in-situ data, and the insights into geophysical fluid dynamics.
The candidate can choose to work on a predefined project, but is also encouraged to propose innovative ideas. In addition to the postdoc advisor, Jinbo Wang, the postdoc researcher will be working in close collaboration with a group of satellite oceanographers, modelers and machine learning experts.
Qualifications:
- Successful candidates must hold a doctoral degree in physical oceanography or relevant fields and a publication record that illustrates the ability to conduct and communicate independent research. Candidates with a Ph.D. from computer/data science are also welcome to apply, given a record of interest in geoscience and physical oceanography.
- The candidate should have general interests in satellite altimetry and remote sensing, and is willing to work with low-level SWOT data and other oceanographic in-situ measurements such as those from moorings, gliders and Argos. Work experience with machine learning, data assimilation, or geophysical fluid dynamics is a plus.
Questions: send an email to advisor Dr. Jinbo Wang at Jinbo.Wang@jpl.nasa.gov.
Closing date for applications: 30 November 2022.
How to apply: https://citjpl.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Jobs/job/JPL-Campus/Postdoctoral-Position–SWOT-Sea-Surface-Height-Analysis_R3031