Postdoc: Exoplanet Imaging & JWST Data Analysis

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision coverage

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks a postdoctoral researcher focusing on reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, emphasizing coronagraphic performance. The role includes developing advanced techniques, with opportunities to apply them to exoplanet observations using JWST, Roman, and HWO instruments.

You will work with the Exoplanet Systems group and collaborate across JPL and Caltech, contributing to publications and advancing space-based imaging capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in astronomical data analysis and high-contrast imaging.
• Experience with scientific programming, preferably Python.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and reduce JWST/NIRCam coronagraphic imaging observations.
• Develop and apply model-based forward modeling and phase retrieval techniques to JWST data.
• Characterize coronagraphic performance and investigate sources of systematic effects and residual starlight.
• Lead peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with JPL and Caltech astronomers on JWST science investigations.
• Apply techniques to future Roman and HWO coronagraphic imaging applications.

Skills

Python

High-contrast imaging

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/astrophysics/physics

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks a postdoctoral researcher focusing on reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, emphasizing coronagraphic performance. The role includes developing advanced techniques, with opportunities to apply them to exoplanet observations using JWST, Roman, and HWO instruments.

You will work with the Exoplanet Systems group and collaborate across JPL and Caltech, contributing to publications and advancing space-based imaging capabilities.