Research Associate for NISAR

The Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences (SESS) at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applicants for a Postdoctoral Research position in radar remote sensing, funded and mentored by Prof. Yujie Zheng. The postdoctoral researcher will work on a NASA-funded NISAR project focused on using interferometric closure phase and multi-frequency L- and S-band radar observations to characterize irrigation-driven soil moisture variability. A major emphasis will be developing and evaluating a joint L-/S-band retrieval algorithm that uses complementary frequency-dependent sensitivities to constrain vertical soil-moisture structure. The researcher will also contribute to NISAR data processing, physical modeling, uncertainty analysis, validation with in situ observations, publications, and open-science products. The researcher will be encouraged to pursue complementary independent research and participate in proposal development.

The postdoc will be part of an active research group in geophysics and remote sensing and will have opportunities to collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers. The position is for two years and may be renewed for a third year, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D. 

PhD in Geophysics, Remote Sensing, Hydrology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field by the time of hire. The successful applicant should have experience working with SAR/InSAR data, radar remote sensing, or related quantitative geophysical observations. Experience with interferometric phase, soil-moisture retrieval, electromagnetic scattering models, inverse methods, or scientific programming is desirable.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

1. Process and analyze NISAR SAR/InSAR data, including interferometric closure-phase observations.

2. Develop and evaluate multi-frequency L- and S-band methods for soil-moisture retrieval and characterization.

3. Lead development and validation of a joint L-/S-band retrieval algorithm.

4. Integrate radar observations with in situ and ancillary hydrologic datasets for validation and interpretation.

5. Conduct uncertainty and sensitivity analyses for radar-derived soil-moisture products.

6. Develop reproducible data-processing workflows and research products.

7. Prepare manuscripts, reports, figures, and conference presentations.

8. Collaborate with the PI and research group and assist with mentoring students.

Remote Work Notice: This role may be eligible for a remote or hybrid (partly remote/partly in office) work schedule, subject to business need and manager approval. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement will be required within 14 days after approval.

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

· Competitive Salary

· Tuition Benefits

· BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees

· AD&D Insurance

· Dental & Vision Plan Options

· Optional Long and Short-term Disability

· TRS Retirement Plan

· Fertility Benefits

· Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https: https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH

Applicants should submit a CV including publications, a brief statement of research interests, and a cover letter that includes contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact Prof. Yujie Zheng ([email protected]) for more information about the position.

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.