Direct Imaging of Circumstellar Disks & Exoplanets

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the field of space science offers unique research opportunities through the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP). This position focuses on observational studies of circumstellar disks and includes responsibilities like multi-wavelength imaging, research publication, and data coordination. Candidates must have a doctoral degree and be U.S. citizens or eligible for a J-1 visa. The role is located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident required.
• Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor visa for foreign nationals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multi-wavelength imaging and analysis of circumstellar disks.
• Develop and validate numerical models of disk structure and planetary influence.
• Prepare target lists for the Roman Coronagraph Community Participation team.
• Coordinate data acquisition with large ground-based telescope facilities.
• Publish research findings and contribute to the planetary science community.

Education

Doctoral Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0149-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Astrophys

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Dr. Karl R. Stapelfeldt
[e-mail]
818.354.9608

Description

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly‑talented scientists to engage in NASA research projects at a NASA Center, Headquarters, or affiliated institute. Fellowships are one‑to‑three year competitive positions designed to advance NASA missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Research focus: observational studies of circumstellar disks that are integral to planetary system formation. Objectives include imaging new disk systems; characterizing structure, dust properties, and evolutionary pathways using multi‑wavelength observations; and searching for associated planets. Data from the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, Atacama Large Millimeter Array, Spitzer, Herschel, and ground‑based telescopes (Keck, Palomar) will be compared against numerical models to derive disk properties. Additional work involves preparation for disk imaging with the Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph, modeling potential targets, and technical development for future missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multi‑wavelength imaging and analysis of circumstellar disks.
• Develop and validate numerical models of disk structure and planetary influence.
• Prepare target lists and observing sequences for the Roman Coronagraph Community Participation team.
• Coordinate data acquisition with large ground‑based telescope facilities.
• Publish research findings and contribute to the planetary science community.

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizens or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents.
• Foreign nationals eligible for a J‑1 Exchange Visitor visa.
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with valid EAD cards and pending I‑485 or I‑589 forms.

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral Degree in a relevant field.

Contact

Mikeala (point of contact)

Questions: Please email [e-mail]