Gravitational-Wave Research Scientist III

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 144,664 - 180,752; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, is inviting applications for a Staff Scientist position focused on Gravitational Wave science. This role involves developing core pipelines, integrating theoretical models with data analysis, and fostering collaboration across JPL and Caltech.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. with at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience, strong technical skills in gravitational-wave data analysis, and a proven track record in scientific research. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and inspire future generations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral or relevant research experience.
• Proficiency in developing data analysis algorithms.
• Experience in machine learning or advanced data science methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop Core Pipelines for data analysis and noise reduction.
• Bridge Theory and Data with robust statistical frameworks.
• Advance astrophysical modeling and connect to data analysis pipelines.

Skills

Gravitational-wave data analysis methodologies

Scientific excellence in gravitational-wave astronomy

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related discipline

Job description

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. We inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Overview

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, invites applications for a Staff Scientist position working on Gravitational Wave science. JPL offers a unique research environment that bridges the gap between fundamental science and space‑mission implementation. We are committed to fostering an enriching, rewarding research environment with strong support for professional and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Develop Core Pipelines: Design, implement, and validate novel data analysis algorithms, noise reduction algorithms, low‑latency alert pipelines, and global‑fit architectures tailored for low‑frequency gravitational‑wave data.
• Bridge Theory and Data: Integrate instrumental, environmental, and astrophysical systematics into robust statistical frameworks to isolate faint cosmological and astrophysical signals from instrument noise and background signals.
• Leverage the Caltech‑JPL Ecosystem: Actively collaborate with JPL’s Galaxies and/or Cosmology Groups, Caltech’s Theoretical Astrophysics Relativity (TAPIR) group, and experts across Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.
• Strengthen US LISA ties: Work collaboratively to strengthen ties across the NASA LISA ecosystem at GSFC, MSFC, and JPL.
• Astrophysical Modeling: Advance and connect theoretical models to data analysis pipelines through development of individual source waveform models and/or astrophysical populations.
• Shape Long‑Term Capabilities: Help develop future space‑based mission concepts, ground‑segment architectures, and enabling data technologies for the next generation of space physics.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of post‑doctoral or relevant research experience.
• Deep technical foundation in gravitational‑wave data analysis methodologies.
• Proven track record of scientific excellence in gravitational‑wave astronomy, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and presentations at major international conferences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to thrive within a highly collaborative, multi‑institutional team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with a proactive commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic research culture.

Desired Skills

• Direct experience developing data analysis algorithms, astrophysical models, or software frameworks for gravitational wave observatories.
• Proficiency in applying machine learning or advanced data science methodologies to complex, continuous astrophysical datasets.
• Broader expertise in multi‑messenger astrophysics or related fields of cosmology (e.g., ground‑based GW networks, pulsar timing arrays, or cosmic microwave background analysis).
• Demonstrated potential or experience in successfully proposing for research funds as a Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator.

Note

• Cover Letter: Describing your vision for your role at JPL as a leader and contributor to the field of space‑based gravitational‑wave science.
• Curriculum Vitae: Including a bibliography of peer‑reviewed and other publications.
• Research Statement: Detailing your research experience and future research objectives (no more than 3 pages).
• References: Contact information for at least three professional reference writers.

Applications received by August 15, 2026 will receive full consideration.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from traditional to unique offerings. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave, and many more. Our focus is on work‑life balance and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits‑eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The typical full‑time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California is $144,664 – $180,752.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S. or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.