High Contrast Direct Observations of Exoplanetary Systems

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space agency is seeking applicants for the NASA Postdoctoral Program. This role involves planning and executing technology demonstrations related to the Roman Space Telescope. Applicants will have the opportunity to work on high-contrast imaging of exoplanetary systems, gain experience in advanced observational techniques, and collaborate with various prominent observatories. Ideal candidates hold a Doctoral Degree and have a strong interest in astrophysics and technology advancements in space research.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Doctoral Degree.
• Interest in direct imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanetary systems.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and execute the Roman Coronagraph technology demonstration.
• Conduct lab demonstrations of high-contrast starlight suppression.
• Conduct observations of exoplanetary systems using high-contrast instruments.
• Reduce and physically interpret data.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization NASA

Reference Code 0257-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Astrophys

How To Apply Applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application includes: Research proposal; Three letters of recommendation; Official doctoral transcript documents.

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

Description

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers opportunities for scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or a NASA-affiliated research institute. Fellowships are one to three years and aim to advance NASA missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Position Focus JPL leads the development of the Roman Space Telescope coronagraph instrument and is involved in laboratory and telescope instrument demonstrations supporting a future Habitable Worlds Observatory mission.

We seek qualified applicants to:

• Help plan and execute the Roman Coronagraph technology demonstration and possible follow-on science investigations.
• Conduct lab demonstrations of high-contrast starlight suppression using JPL’s High Contrast Imaging testbed, in preparation for a future Habitable Worlds Observatory mission.
• Conduct observations of exoplanetary systems using existing or future high-contrast instruments available via collaborations (e.g., Keck Observatory, Very Large Telescope Interferometer, Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer, CHARA Interferometer).
• Reduce and physically interpret such data.

Candidates with interest in direct imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanetary systems, including exoplanets and extended dust structures, using high-contrast starlight suppression techniques (coronagraphy, interferometry, and/or starshade) are encouraged to apply.

Field of Science Astrophysics

Advisors Bertrand Mennesson

Contact [e-mail] | [phone]

Eligibility The appointment is restricted to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status, or applicants for LPR/asylees/refugees in the U.S. with required documentation at the time of application. A full list of Designated Countries is available from NASA.

Questions [e-mail]

Eligibility Requirements Degree: Doctoral Degree.