Month: April 2026

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The William T. Pecora Award

Dr. William Thomas Pecora. Director of the USGS from 1965-1971 Later served as Under Secretary of the Interior

The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals and teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth’s surface, educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision makers or
supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. The award is presented for national and international work.
An individual award recognizes achievements in the scientific and technical remote sensing community, as well as contributions leading to successful practical applications of remote sensing. Consideration will be given to sustained career achievements or singular
contributions of major importance to the field of remote sensing.
A group award recognizes a team, a group of individuals, or part of an organization that has made major breakthroughs in remote sensing science or technology or developed an innovative application that has a significant impact on the user community or
national and international policies.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) jointly sponsor the award. It was established in 1974 to honor
the memory of Dr. William T. Pecora, former Director of the U.S. Geological Survey and Under Secretary, Department of the Interior.
Dr. Pecora was a motivating force behind the establishment of a program for civil remote sensing of the Earth from space. His early vision and support helped establish what we know today as the Landsat Satellite Program.

Pecora Award Eligibility

Any individual or group working in the field of remote sensing of the Earth is eligible to
receive the William T. Pecora Award. We accept nominations for public and private sector individuals, teams, organizations, and professional societies. National and international nominations are welcome. Previous nominees not selected as recipients may be re-nominated for future awards.
** Nominations Due May 29, 2026 **

Instructions for preparing a nomination and other information about the award can
be found by scanning the QR code to the right or by visiting the Pecora Award
webpages: William T. Pecora Awards | U.S. Geological Survey

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Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity at HBOI

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow of Ocean Optics and Scattering Instrumentation.

This is a grant-funded position located in Fort Pierce, FL. Continuation of grant funds after the first year is anticipated but not guaranteed.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will develop next-generation instrumentation for measurement of the optical scattering in the ocean and contribute to work that will advance the understanding of the connections between particle properties and optical signatures in the environment, relevant to ocean biogeochemistry and remote sensing. May participate in work at the interface of ocean optics, marine biogeochemistry, and instrument engineering, including participation in field measurements, publication of research results, and collaboration with scientists and engineers working on optical approaches to ocean observation.

Summary of Responsibilities:

  • Design and testing of instrument subsystems, design and conduct of lab (breadboard) experiments, development of calibration and correction procedures, and analysis of optical measurements in the context of aquatic particle composition and biogeochemical processes.
  • Provide leadership in submission and contribution to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • May participate in coordination and/or participation in field deployments.

Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in oceanography, electrical engineering, optical engineering, physics, or a related field is required.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

  • Familiarity and experience with optical components and assemblies, including lasers, laboratory testing and measurement (including data acquisition), and/or laboratory characterization of breadboard prototypes and instrumentation. Familiarity with optical simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio, Ansys SPEOS, or Lambda Research TracePro, as well as basic CAD proficiency, is desirable.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team, applying these skills to design and conduct laboratory experiments. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential.
  • Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and strong English-language written and oral scientific communication skills.
  • Experience with oceanographic field measurements is desirable.

For more details and to apply:

https://fau.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FAU/details/Postdoctoral-Fellow-Ocean-Optics-Scattering-Instrumentation_REQ21834