Scientist II

CHEManager International; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, invites applications for a Staff Scientist in cosmology. The role focuses on the analysis and interpretation of dark sector surveys, bridging measurements and theory for Euclid and Roman missions.

The successful candidate will contribute to cosmological simulations, interpretation, and modeling, collaborating with JPL's dark sector teams and developing strategies impacting the 2030 Decadal Survey.

Qualifications

• PhD in Astrophysics or related field, or Master's with 1 year experience, or Bachelor's with 3 years.
• Strong background in cosmological simulations, modeling, and data interpretation.
• Expertise in weak lensing and/or galaxy clustering as primary probes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between raw measurement and theoretical insight, providing critical expertise in cosmological simulations, modeling, and interpretation of cosmological data.
• Join the vibrant JPL dark sector community contributing to the Open Universe cosmological simulations project and the Euclid and Roman science teams.
• Integrate astrophysical, instrumental, and statistical systematics into robust models for future cosmology insights.

Skills

Weak lensing

Galaxy clustering

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in Astrophysics or related

Master's in related field with 1 year experience

Bachelor's in related field with 3 years experience

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.

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.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, invites applications for a Staff Scientist position working in cosmology. JPL has an established culture for collaborations and opportunities for developing new ideas and pursuits and is committed to fostering an enriching and rewarding research environment with strong support and coaching for professional and personal development.

We are looking for an innovative Scientist II to play a pivotal role in the analysis and interpretation of the next generation of dark sector surveys. As JPL expands its leadership in NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and ESA's Euclid, the focus is shifting from precision measurement to the complex challenges of modeling and cosmological interpretation. This role is essential for capitalizing on the imminent release of Euclid's ~1900 square degrees (Data Release 1) and the imminent launch of Roman.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Bridge the gap between raw measurement and theoretical insight, providing critical expertise in cosmological simulations, modeling, and interpretation of cosmological data.
• Join the vibrant JPL dark sector community contributing to the JPL-led Open Universe cosmological simulations project and the Euclid and Roman science teams. Beyond current missions, the successful candidate will join a collaborative team to shape the post-Roman landscape, developing mission concepts and strategies to influence the 2030 Decadal Survey.
• Integrate astrophysical, instrumental, and statistical systematics into robust models, which will aim to define the future of how we understand the dark universe.

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Astrophysics or a related discipline, or a Master's in a related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of related experience or a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Deep technical foundation in some combination of cosmological simulations, modeling, and cosmological data interpretation.
• Proven expertise in weak lensing and/or galaxy clustering as primary probes for investigating dark matter and dark energy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to thrive within a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proactive commitment to fostering diverse ideas and backgrounds in the workplace, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive research culture as we tackle the most complex questions in modern cosmology.

Preferred Skills

• A PhD degree in Astrophysics or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional reputation as a productive researcher with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and/or international conferences.

Applications received by May 15th , 2026 will receive full consideration.

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.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

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

$107,744 - $138,840

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.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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.