Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Company: San José State University Research Foundation
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

OUR STATEMENT The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION The Radar Meteorologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) will support the NASA INSPYRE field campaign, which aims to improve scientific understanding of pyro-cumulus (pyroCu) and pyro-cumulonimbus (pyroCb) dynamics associated with active wildfires. This position focuses on deploying and operating advanced mobile radar platforms in challenging wildfire environments and leading scientific analysis of radar observations. The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating field operations, managing radar instrumentation, and conducting advanced data analysis to investigate fire-induced atmospheric processes. The appointment is for up to two years. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Lead field deployments of WIRC’s mobile radar systems, including: Doppler Ka-band radar Doppler X-band radar G-band radar 2) Coordinate logistics and on-site operations for radar deployments to active wildfire locations. 3) Ensure safe and effective operation of mobile radar platforms in dynamic and potentially hazardous fire-line environments. 4) Conduct high-quality data collection during wildfire events, ensuring proper calibration, operation, and troubleshooting of radar systems. 5) Lead scientific analysis of radar datasets to address key research questions related to pyroCu and pyroCb dynamics, including: Fire-induced wind fields Plume dynamics and structure Hydro- and pyrometeor size distributions Characterization using dual-frequency ratios Polarimetric observations to isolate hydro- and pyro-meteor distributions within plume and cloud systems 6) Contribute to scientific reporting, manuscript preparation, and presentation of results at conferences and technical meetings. 7) Maintain compliance with safety standards and complete required wildfire and vehicle safety certifications. 8) Other duties as assigned. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS 1) Reports to the project director. 2) Frequently interacts and collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams, including NASA scientists and campaign partners. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Required Ph.D. in Meteorology or a closely related field. Experience in deploying mobile radar platforms. Experience in radar data analysis. Knowledge and Skills Required Python programming and analysis of polarimetric radar data. Physical Demands Ability to work in physically demanding and potentially hazardous wildfire environments. Ability to become fire-line qualified by passing basic firefighter (FF2) training Ability to pass the Arduous Pack Test for obtaining a Red Card. This position performs duties with limited supervision and exercises independent judgment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position. NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Compensation Range: $72,000-$82,000 annually, DOQ/E Exempt, Benefited BENEFITS The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage). Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents. Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities. 14 paid federal & state holidays. Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately. Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations. Employee discounts. Paid training and professional-development conferences. Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities. San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies. San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE . Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters . If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582. We participate in E-verify. Please click here for more information

Keywords: San José State University Research Foundation, Pleasanton , Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Science, Research & Development , San Jose, California