Investigating Air Quality Challenges and Impacts in California’s Central Valley

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0143-NPP-NOV25-ARC-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 proposal

Three letters of recommendation

Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline
11/1/2025 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:

NASA Ames seeks a candidate to investigate the application of atmospheric science for impacts on rural-to-urban communities and/or public health. This position will combine NASA Earth observations from satellites, airborne measurements, ground-based instruments and socioeconomic datasets to investigate exposure to air pollutants and implications on human and ecosystem health. 

Specifically, candidates will conduct research investigations to understand the role of atmospheric pollutants within California’s San Joaquin Valley. Key questions include:

• How do atmospheric conditions, local topography, climate and season influence air pollutant concentrations in the San Joaquin Valley?
• Which areas endure elevated exposure risks?
• What are the effects of long-term exposure to air pollutants in the San Joaquin Valley?
• What factors affect long-term trends of air quality conditions across the San Joaquin Valley?
• What opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange with residents in the San Joaquin Valley?

This opportunity aims to provide comprehensive understanding of atmospheric composition and implications on human and ecosystem health in the San Joaquin Valley through the combination of  socioeconomic data and geospatial information. Experience with the calibration and deployment of low-cost sensors is preferred.

Occasional travel may be necessary.

Field of Science: Earth Science
Advisors:

Kristen Okorn
kristen.e.okorn@nasa.gov

 

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

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, public health, data science, or relevant disciplines.
• Experience working with complex datasets, including atmospheric measurements, socioeconomic and geospatial information.
• Proficiency in atmospheric data analysis and statistical techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Point of Contact
Mikeala
Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

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