Scientist II

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 107,744 - 138,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Learning opportunities

Job summary

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking a Staff Scientist focused on cosmology research, primarily related to dark sector surveys. Located in Pasadena, California, the role involves providing expertise in cosmological simulations and contributing to major projects. The ideal candidate must have a PhD in a related field and possess strong communication skills.

Responsibilities include bridging measurement gaps, contributing to projects like Open Universe, and influencing mission strategy for the upcoming Decadal Survey. A comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Astrophysics related field with relevant experience.
• Strong foundation in cosmological simulations and modeling.
• Proven expertise in weak lensing or galaxy clustering.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in cosmological simulations and interpretation of data.
• Contribute to JPL’s cosmological simulations project and mission data analysis.
• Develop strategies for the 2030 Decadal Survey.

Skills

Cosmological simulations

Modeling

Data interpretation

Weak lensing

Galaxy clustering

Interpersonal communication

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in Astrophysics or related discipline

Master's with 1+ years experience

Bachelor's with 3+ years experience

Job description

Staff Scientist – Cosmology

A Staff Scientist II position focused on cosmology research, primarily in dark sector surveys, will be based in Pasadena, California at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between raw measurement and theoretical insight, providing critical expertise in cosmological simulations, modeling, and interpretation of cosmological data.
• Contribute to the JPL‑led Open Universe cosmological simulations project and the Euclid and Roman science teams, supporting mission data analysis.
• Shape the post‑Roman landscape by developing mission concepts and strategies to influence the 2030 Decadal Survey.
• Integrate astrophysical, instrumental, and statistical systematics into robust models to advance understanding of the dark universe.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Astrophysics or a related discipline, or a Master’s with at least 1 year of related experience, or a Bachelor’s with at least 3 years of related experience.
• Strong technical foundation in cosmological simulations, modeling, and data interpretation.
• Proven expertise in weak lensing and/or galaxy clustering as primary probes of dark matter and dark energy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment and a commitment to fostering inclusive research culture.

Preferred Skills

• PhD in Astrophysics or related field.
• Track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at national/international conferences.
• Professional reputation as a productive researcher.

Application Process

Complete applications must include a cover letter describing the applicant’s vision for their role at JPL as a leader and contributor in dark energy cosmology and dark matter, a curriculum vitae, a bibliography of peer‑reviewed and other publications, a statement on research experience and research objectives (no more than 3 pages), and contact information for at least three professional references. Applications received by May15,2026 will receive full consideration.

Benefits

JPL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, wellbeing, retirement plans, paid time off, learning opportunities, rideshare, childcare support, flexible schedule, parental leave, and more. Benefits for eligible positions begin the first day of the month following the employee’s start date.

Pay Range

$107,744–$138,840 (typical full‑time equivalent annual range for this job in Pasadena, California).

EEO Statement

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, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law. 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 NASA rules, 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 8U.S.C.1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available upon request.