Astrophysics: Direct Exoplanet and Disk Imaging with the JWST

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The NASA Postdoctoral Program at ORAU offers a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral candidate in Greenbelt, Maryland, to engage in research using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for direct imaging of exoplanets and circumstellar disks. The applicant must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience with high-contrast imaging. You will develop analysis techniques, work on data from various JWST programs, and collaborate with leading experts. Applications must be submitted by 11/1/2026, with advisor contact recommended beforehand.

Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in using JWST for direct imaging.
• Prior experience with high-contrast imaging and post-processing techniques.
• Desirable background in exoplanets and circumstellar disks.

Responsibilities

• Develop techniques for JWST direct imaging data analyses.
• Apply techniques to data from JWST GO programs.
• Analyze results to discover and characterize wide-orbit exoplanets.

Skills

High-contrast imaging

Data analysis for exoplanets

Interest in circumstellar disks

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0235-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrophys

How to Apply

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

Application Deadline

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

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

The direct detection of exoplanets and circumstellar disks using high-contrast imaging requires the suppression of starlight using novel hardware, observations, and data processing. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is NASA’s newest astrophysics flagship mission and carries multiple instruments capable of new breakthroughs in direct imaging. The JWST Project Office is at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, thereby offering unique opportunities for collaboration with experts in JWST instruments, operations, and observations.

We seek a postdoctoral candidate with experience and/or interest in using JWST to study exoplanets and circumstellar disks via direct imaging. We anticipate the candidate will work on one or more projects to:

• Develop techniques for JWST direct imaging data analyses.
• Apply these techniques to data from approved or archival JWST GO programs, GTO programs, and/or ERS observations.
• Analyze the direct imaging results to discover and characterize wide-orbit exoplanets, place new constraints on this population, and study circumstellar disk properties.
• Pursue additional JWST direct imaging observations via the JWST GO program.

We also anticipate opportunities to combine JWST direct imaging observations and analyses with data from other space and ground-based facilities.

Qualifications for this opportunity include a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline. Prior experience with high-contrast imaging and post-processing techniques and interest in exoplanets and circumstellar disks are desirable.

Interested applicants should reach out to at least one of the advisors listed here in advance of the application deadline to express interest and discuss potential research projects.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

• Joshua Schlieder – [e-mail], 301 286 2584
• Knicole D. Colon – [e-mail], 301 286 4560
• Mike McElwain – [e-mail], 301-286-6094
• Christopher Stark – [e-mail], [phone]

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• U.S. Citizens.
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status.
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.

Notice for applicants from Designated Countries

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Questions about this opportunity

Please email [e-mail].

Point of Contact

Mikeala