Will Statement
Will: Will be a member of the Atmospheric Observations Group and will report to the Group Supervisor. Will be responsible for developing and implementing regional and local measurements of greenhouse gases, and lead in the data interpretation using statistical analysis, models, inversion techniques. Will interact with related projects including OCO-2, SMAP, TES, AIRS, Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space (ACOS), the NASA Carbon Monitoring System (CMS), and Total Column Carbon Observing Network (TCCON) and other internal and external customer contacts on significant matters. Establish new and strengthen existing research programs in Earth remote sensing, inverse modeling of trace gas concentrations to estimate surface fluxes leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Resolve complex, discipline-specific problems. Prepare research plans and documentation, in collaboration with research and/or mission teams.
Identifies scientific questions and issues, and applies theoretical principles, creative/analytical techniques and scientific methods to their solution. Conceives, plans, and conducts Research and Development efforts involving theoretical, observational, and experimental study. Publishes or contributes to publications in refereed scientific journals, and presents papers at scientific conferences. Writes or contributes to proposals to support research and missions to achieve scientific goals. Pursues new mission and/or instrument opportunities through advocacy and outreach within the scientific and stakeholder community. Remains abreast of and consults on all applicable scientific advancements.
• Partners with other researchers to design and develop new scientific investigations (experimental, theoretical and/or data analysis).
• Identifies scientific problems, and applies theoretical principles and scientific methods to their solution.
• Evaluates research tools and systems to optimize data acquisition and analysis capabilities.
• Develops, evaluates and optimizes highly complex research devices, techniques and systems.
• Serves as the technical or scientific point of contact for an instrument and/or project subsystem to the science team and/or science community.
• Establishes collaborative environment and relationships for technical and scientific problem-solving.
• Cultivates research partnerships to accelerate the identification and resolution of technical and scientific problems affecting experimental outcome and related research.
• Develops and/or delivers project/program presentations; confers with project/ program contributors to ensure communication vehicle is accurate representation of mission status and objectives.
• Recognized on publications as a named author or co-author (research reports/journals, articles.
• Performs complex and varied job functions and activities within discipline.
• Works independently on key projects and assignments with only limited direction, typically receiving few or no instructions.
• Work is evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives and institutional goals have been met.
• Actions and decisions will have a significant positive impact on a functional organization due to improvements in methods, use of technology, and/or policies and creation of additional work product that increases value of the functional organization.
• Failure to achieve results or erroneous decisions will likely have a substantial adverse impact on team or functional organization’s ability to achieve significant project objectives.
• Leads a team for a project activity, or function within scope of assigned responsibility.
• Mentors and coaches others internal and external to organization.
• Analysis of situation or data requires identification, review and interpretation of highly complex factors as well as decisions as to policies, procedures and practices.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in evaluating potential approaches and solutions to critical problems and determining appropriate resolutions.
• Interactions normally involve presenting, validating and analyzing complex information.
• Initiates interaction with colleagues or functional partners outside own organization on a frequent basis.
• Frequent interaction with industry partners and other NASA centers.
Skills
Required Skills:
• PhD in Environmental Science, Applied Physics, Engineering, or related technical discipline with strong background in Earth Remote Sensing Research with typically a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge in one or more of the following related fields: space-based remote sensing of atmospheric greenhouse gases, carbon cycle modeling, inversion techniques, field measurements to support carbon cycle science.
• Extensive understanding and wide application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques in using large satellite-based Earth science data sets.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in carbon cycle modeling, greenhouse gas measurements and trace gas measurements from space, airborne and ground sites, especially in urban/megacity environments
• Expertise in forward and inverse modeling of trace gas concentrations to estimate surface fluxes and concentration gradients. Should have expertise in network design and optimization.
• Nationally and internationally recognized with demonstrated extensive experience in conceiving, defining, and conducting independent scientific research, with a strong interest in applying those efforts to developing and implementing systems for the retrieval of atmospheric greenhouse gas observations. A particular emphasis on the optimization of retrieval algorithm schemes to derive estimates of the atmospheric concentrations with minimal uncertainty is desired. Professional reputation as a productive researcher and recognized authority in atmospheric trace gas measurements, retrievals, and interpretation, the results of which have led to publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and/or international conferences. Experience in research related to optical remote sensing instruments, data and analysis techniques to quantify atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
• Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills.
Desired Skills:
• Advanced knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.
• Recognized expert in his/her area of research, who welcomes the challenge of leading and working with scientists from JPL and universities in a flight project environment. Should also have an interest in participating in and directing efforts in ongoing and future missions or major sub-orbital projects related to monitoring greenhouse gas emissions via remote sensing with Earth Science datasets.
If you'd like to discover new worlds with our innovative team and enjoy a competitive salary and impressive benefits with the renowned leader in space exploration, apply now!
If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department at (818) 354-5150 or Staffing@jpl.nasa.gov.
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer devoted to work force diversity.