Gravitational-Wave Research Scientist III

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 144,664 - 180,752; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA invites applications for a Staff Scientist specializing in gravitational-wave science. You will develop data analysis pipelines and bridge theory with data to extract astrophysical insight from complex signals.

Lead collaborations with Caltech and JPL groups, contribute to long‑term mission concepts, and publish results in top venues while advancing modeling and data technologies for space‑based GW science.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related field with post‑doc or relevant research experience.
• Deep technical foundation in gravitational‑wave data analysis methodologies.
• Proven track record of peer‑reviewed publications and presentations.
• Strong collaborative skills in a multi‑institutional team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with commitment to inclusive research culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop core data analysis pipelines for low-frequency gravitational-wave data.
• Bridge theory and data with robust statistical frameworks.
• Collaborate with Caltech‑JPL groups and related institutes across PMA and TAPIR.
• Strengthen ties within the NASA LISA ecosystem and partner labs.
• Advance astrophysical modeling and long‑term capability development.

Skills

Gravitational-wave data analysis

Low-latency pipelines

Statistical data analysis

Scientific collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics/Astrophysics

Tools

Machine learning

Job description

Job Details

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 and offers a work environment unlike any other: 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

We are looking for an innovative Scientist III to play a pivotal role in developing data analysis algorithms for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). As JPL expands its capabilities in low-frequency gravitational-wave astronomy, this role is essential for developing the sophisticated pipelines required to untangle complex, overlapping signals in order to transition noisy data into astrophysical insight.

The successful candidate will make contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• 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 (PMA).
• 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

Complete applications must include:

• 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 the traditional to the unique. 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.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$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.

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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.