Thermal Modeling Complex Terrains Europa

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

0282-NPP-NOV
26-JPL-Planet Sci

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

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

The NASA Europa Clipper mission will characterize current and recent surface activity through the acquisition of a diverse set of observations. The Europa Thermal Emission Imaging System (E‑THEMIS) will measure global, regional, and local surface temperatures at three thermal infrared wavelengths under various conditions of local time and emission angles. The data will provide information on the size and distribution of active hotspots.

Subtle anomalies from dormant or near‑active heat sources may appear a few degrees above background and are of great interest. New numerical analyses are required to process ETHEMIS data, evaluate detection limits, quantify radiative effects of surface roughness, and discriminate active heat sources from passive self‑warming. This research will improve existing tools used to calculate Europa surface temperatures.

• Planetary Science

Sylvain Piqueux
sylvain.piqueuxa.gov

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589
• Applications from citizens of Designated Countries are not accepted unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States (see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)

Please email npp

We seek a candidate who can improve existing numerical tools used to calculate surface temperatures  successful candidate will:

• Incorporate roughness, beaming, self‑shadows, and projected shadows for regolith properties relevant to Europa.
• Perform sensitivity analysis for self‑warming between surface units under realistic observational conditions and compare heating from geothermal contributions.
• Produce improved modeling tools and share new knowledge with the E‑THEMIS science team and the broader community.

This research opportunity is most suitable for an individual with:

• Significant experience manipulating or developing scientific applications with programming languages for thermal modeling and planetary data analysis.
• Willingness to work with preexisting scientific algorithms.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with a broader science team.
• Interest in working at the interface between fundamental research and planetary mission work at JPL.

Mikeala

• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.