NASA Postdoctoral Program - Modeling and Analysis of Upper Atmospheric Composition and Related Processes

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. This specific opportunity focuses on research in the upper atmosphere, primarily the upper troposphere and stratosphere (UT/S), and its role in climate. The Atmospheric Dynamics group in the Atmospheric Sciences Branch of the Earth Science Division at NASA Ames Research Center uses a combination of satellite data, high-altitude aircraft measurements, and models to investigate variations in and processes that impact clouds, aerosols, and trace gases in the UT/S. The research particularly focuses on the relationship between atmospheric deep convection, clouds, and water vapor in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The objective is to improve our ability to predict how future changes in climate will affect atmospheric composition and vice versa. The prospective candidate will conduct research that advances understanding of UT/S composition and related processes, with special encouragement for candidates interested in the impact of summer monsoon systems on upper atmospheric composition. The candidate may also be involved in forecasting and flight planning for NASA airborne missions, with occasional deployment travel.