Planetary Orbits, Rotation and Gravity Fields

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space research organization seeks a postdoctoral researcher to explore solar system dynamics using radio measurements. This role focuses on analyzing gravity fields and dynamics for missions like Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Juno. Candidates must hold a PhD and demonstrate relevant modeling experience. The opportunity involves collaborative research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Pasadena, California, with a competitive fellowship duration of one to three years.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing.
• A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes a research proposal.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in solar system dynamics using spacecraft radio range and Doppler measurements.
• Work with missions like Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Juno on gravity science data.

Skills

Dynamical modeling

Radio measurement processing

Research proposal writing

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0129-NPP-NOV26-JPL-PlanetSci

Application Deadline

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

Program Overview

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.

Position Summary

This position is to conduct research in the area of solar system dynamics with an emphasis on using spacecraft radio range and Doppler measurements to determine planetary gravity fields and rotation dynamics to further understanding of planetary interior and crustal structure and formation processes. A broad range of space missions are available for investigation, including GRACE gravity mapping data analysis, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter gravity data analysis, Juno gravity science data planning and simulation analysis, BepiColombo mission to Mercury gravity science data planning and simulation analysis. Other areas of interest include using combined data sets for the estimation of the planetary ephemeris as well as the ephemeris development for the natural satellites and small bodies of the solar system. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing. The successful candidate will work with members of the active Solar System Dynamics Group at JPL.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Application Process

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

Eligibility Requirements

• 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

Other Eligibility Notes

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.

Contact

Ryan Park
[e-mail]
818-354-4401

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]. Point of Contact: Mikeala.

Degree Requirement

Doctoral Degree