Postdoc: Exoplanet Imaging & Coronagraphy

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Wellbeing

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning

Rideshare

Childcare

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Many more

Job summary

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a postdoctoral researcher in optics to advance vector diffraction modeling for coronagraphic masks used in the Habitable Worlds Observatory project. You will develop and validate models, optimize mask designs, and contribute to experimental work on HCIT benches in a collaborative environment.

You will publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences, working with multidisciplinary teams across optical design,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optics, Astrophysics, Physics, Mechanical/ Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in high-contrast imaging and optical modeling.
• Experience with FDTD software (MEEP, Lumerical).
• Experience using clusters and GPUs for large computations.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Strong publication record and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vector diffraction modeling for coronagraphic masks.
• Validate models with HCIT experiments.
• Develop mask fabrication tolerance requirements for HWO.
• Perform mask optimization using advanced methods.
• Use AI tools to improve mask design and modeling.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across optical design and instrumentation.

Skills

High-contrast imaging

Optical modeling

Optical instrumentation

Wavefront correction

Scientific programming (Python, MATLAB

Peer‑reviewed publications

Education

Ph.D. in Optics or related field

Tools

MEEP

Lumerical

HPC clusters

Job description

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a postdoctoral researcher in optics to advance vector diffraction modeling for coronagraphic masks used in the Habitable Worlds Observatory project. You will develop and validate models, optimize mask designs, and contribute to experimental work on HCIT benches in a collaborative environment.

You will publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences, working with multidisciplinary teams across optical design,