JPL conducts research across a broad array of Earth science areas and currently has a number of research opportunities for postdoctoral scholar. The research described below will be conducted in a dynamic environment in close collaboration with a number of scientists, including K. Bowman, A. Braverman, E. Fetzer, I. Fukumori, J. Teixeira and D. Waliser. The overall goals are to exploit satellite observations of Earth processes to address critical questions related to modeling regional and global climate, understanding current climate trends, predicting climate change, reducing uncertainties in climate models and their projections, and developing new observing system strategies.
- Model Evaluation and Diagnostics: i) Evaluate global climate model output (e.g., CMIP3/IPCC database) using JPL data; ii) evaluate models in the context of specific physical regimes and forms of natural variability; iii) evaluate high-resolution (~1-10km) regional/global models. Advisor: Eric Fetzer
- Model Parameterization Improvement: i) Develop and implement new physical parameterizations for climate model simulations and projections based on incorporation of satellite-derived information on temperature, humidity, clouds, etc. Physical processes of interest include: boundary layer clouds and cloud ice/liquid microphysics; ii) Utilize high-resolution (~ 1 km) models for parameterization development. Advisor: Joao Teixeira
- Model Uncertainty and Ensembles: Develop i) stochastic parameterizations for producing ensembles of model climate predictions; ii) diagnostics for evaluating the individual members of ensembles of model climate predictions; iii) scoring and weighting procedures for ensembles of climate model predictions. Advisor: Kevin Bowman
- Decadal Climate Prediction: Work with the ocean data assimilation and climate model evaluation teams to i) perform experimental coupled ocean-atmosphere predictions for decadal lead times; ii) perform sensitivity studies on these predictions to the initial conditions and parameterizations; iii) develop a path forward for a comprehensive research-oriented decadal prediction system. Advisor: Ichiro Fukumori
We are seeking candidates with Ph.D. degrees in Earth, Physical, or Computational Sciences, or a related discipline (e.g. atmosphere or ocean sciences). Familiarity with the quantitative, scientific use of remote sensing data is highly desired, particularly in relation to climate processes and modeling. Experience working with large data sets is also highly desirable. The positions are open immediately. Postdoctoral appointments at JPL are initially for one year and may be renewed in one-year increments for up to two additional years. The starting salary for a recent Ph.D. is US$52,000 per year and may vary somewhat according to the candidate’s qualifications. Evidence of completion of the Ph.D. is required. Each candidate will be guided by his/her JPL research advisor to ensure that the research leads to peer-reviewed publications.
Applicants should submit a CV and the names of three references to:
Duane Waliser
Jet Propulsion Laboratory M/S 183-501
4800 Oak Grove Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91109
FAX : (818) 354-5148
Email: Duane.E.Waliser@jpl.nasa.gov
