Postdoc: JWST High-Contrast Imaging Data Analysis

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena is seeking a postdoctoral researcher focused on the reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, especially JWST/NIRCam coronagraphy. You will develop forward-modeling, phase retrieval, and wavefront-sensing techniques to advance exoplanet imaging capabilities and prepare methods for future Roman and Habitable Worlds Observatory projects.

The two-year appointment may be renewed, with opportunities to lead publications and collaborate across JPL

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or related field.
• Experience in astronomical data analysis and high-contrast imaging.
• Proficient in scientific programming, preferably Python.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

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

Python programming

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Astronomy research

Education

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/physics

Tools

Python scripting

JWST data tools

Job description

Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges.

The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

The Exoplanet Systems group at JPL is searching for a postdoc who will focus on the reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, with particular emphasis on advanced techniques for characterizing coronagraphic performance. Research activities may include phase retrieval, aperture masking interferometry, and other methods for extracting and interpreting faint signals in coronagraphic observations. The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop new analysis techniques and apply them to observations of exoplanets and other astrophysical targets.

The work will also help advance JPL's capabilities for future high-contrast imaging missions and instruments, including the Roman Space Telescope and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).

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.

Required 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.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with PSF subtraction techniques, angular differential imaging, or forward modeling.
• Experience with model-based post-processing, phase retrieval, or wavefront sensing.
• Background in coronagraphy or interferometric techniques (e.g., aperture masking interferometry).
• Prior experience working with JWST, HST, or other space-based observatory data.
• Track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA.

The postdoc position is a two-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year subject to funding.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,820 - $83,820

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.