Postdoc: JWST High-Contrast Exoplanet Imaging

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena invites a postdoctoral researcher to focus on reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, emphasizing coronagraphic performance with JWST data. You will develop forward modeling and phase retrieval techniques and apply them to exoplanet observations, collaborating across JPL and Caltech teams.

The two-year appointment may be renewed for an additional year, with opportunities to contribute to Roman/Habitable Worlds Observatory projects and future

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 coronagraphic and NIRISS/AMI data, leveraging wavefront sensing telemetry to improve contrast performance.
• Characterize coronagraphic performance and investigate sources of systematic effects and residual starlight.
• Lead peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with JPL and CalTech astronomers and instrument scientists on JWST science investigations.
• Apply techniques developed through JWST observations to future Roman and HWO coronagraphic imaging applications.

Skills

Astronomical data analysis

High-contrast imaging

Scientific programming

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/astrophysics/physics or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena invites a postdoctoral researcher to focus on reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, emphasizing coronagraphic performance with JWST data. You will develop forward modeling and phase retrieval techniques and apply them to exoplanet observations, collaborating across JPL and Caltech teams.

The two-year appointment may be renewed for an additional year, with opportunities to contribute to Roman/Habitable Worlds Observatory projects and future