Postdoc - Exoplanet Imaging & Coronagraphy

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites a postdoctoral researcher to advance coronagraphic mask design and vector diffraction modeling for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. You will optimize masks, run experiments on HCIT, and contribute to high-impact publications while collaborating across disciplines.

The role emphasizes cross-team research, mentorship, and ongoing opportunities within a national science program, with eligibility considerations for NASA programs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optics, Astrophysics, Physics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience in high-contrast imaging, optical modeling, or related experimental research.
• Experience with FDTD software such as MEEP or Lumerical.
• Experience using clusters and GPUs for large computations.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB or similar.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vector diffraction modeling of coronagraphic masks.
• Validate models with HCIT laboratory experiments.
• Develop mask fabrication tolerance requirements for the HWO project.
• Perform coronagraphic mask optimization using advanced methods.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across optical design, modeling, and testbeds.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

High-contrast imaging

Optical modeling

GPU computing

Education

PhD in Optics/Physics/Astrophysics/Engineering

Tools

MEEP

Lumerical

GPUs

Compute clusters

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites a postdoctoral researcher to advance coronagraphic mask design and vector diffraction modeling for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. You will optimize masks, run experiments on HCIT, and contribute to high-impact publications while collaborating across disciplines.

The role emphasizes cross-team research, mentorship, and ongoing opportunities within a national science program, with eligibility considerations for NASA programs.