Combined approach to analysis and forecasting of wildland fires: solutions and advantages

Warning
This opportunity is closed.
Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0317-NPP-MAR26-JPL-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:

  1. Research proposal
  2. Three letters of recommendation
  3. Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline
4/2/2026 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:

We are seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team on a cutting-edge project leveraging NASA satellite observations and model data to advance the understanding of wildfire ignition processes under varying weather conditions. The project focuses on developing a universal fire danger index that integrates atmospheric and land surface parameters derived from satellite data. This index will be evaluated in diverse geographic and climatic contexts, including a comparative analysis between different regions, to improve fire risk prediction capabilities and support emergency services in implementing early warning systems and strategic fire risk management.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a NASA-aligned project with significant scientific and practical impacts, contributing to the development of actionable tools for wildfire risk management. The successful candidate will collaborate with leading experts, have access to state-of-the-art satellite data and computational resources, and engage with emergency service organizations and other stakeholders to refine the fire danger index for practical applications. This role provides a unique platform to advance research at the intersection of wildfire science, remote sensing, and decision-making.

Field of Science: Earth Science

Advisors:

Olga Kalashnikova
Olga.Kalashnikova@jpl.nasa.gov
(818) 393-0469 
 
Hugo Lee
huikyo.lee@jpl.nasa.gov
(626) 864-0557
 
 
 

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

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Earth System Science, or a related field and possess strong expertise in satellite data analysis and geospatial modeling of environmental variables. Familiarity with NASA missions such as MODIS, VIIRS, SMAP, or Landsat, as well as fire danger indices and vegetation or biomass assessment, is highly desirable. Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, along with experience using GIS tools, will be essential for success in this role. A proven track record of scientific publications and a collaborative mindset will further distinguish top candidates. 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
NPP
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