Investigating Air Quality Challenges and Impacts in California’s Valley

Position Overview

NASA Ames is seeking a researcher to explore how atmospheric science can be applied to assess environmental impacts on rural-to-urban communities and public health
. The role involves integrating NASA Earth observation data
—from satellites, aircraft, and ground stations—with socioeconomic datasets to analyze exposure to air pollutants and their effects on both human and ecological health.

The research will focus specifically on California’s San Joaquin Valley
, with key objectives including:

• Examining how atmospheric dynamics, local terrain, climate variations
  , and seasonality impact air pollution levels in the region

• Identifying high-risk areas where populations are exposed to elevated pollutant concentrations

• Investigating the health and ecological consequences of long‑term exposure to pollutants

• Understanding the drivers behind long‑term trends in air quality across the San Joaquin Valley

• Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement to improve environmental understanding and public health outcomes in the region

The goal of this research is to deliver an integrated view of atmospheric composition and its impacts
, combining geospatial and socioeconomic data
. Candidates with experience in the use and calibration of low-cost air quality sensors are preferred.

• A Ph.D. in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, public health, data science, or a related field

• Proven experience working with multifaceted datasets
  , including atmospheric, geospatial, and socioeconomic data

• Strong skills in atmospheric data processing and statistical analysis

• Excellent communication skills
  , both written and verbal