Scientist III

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & vision plans

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Rideshare program

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Childcare support

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, invites applications for a Staff Scientist in cosmology. The role focuses on modeling, simulations, and interpretation of dark sector surveys, contributing to Euclid and Roman missions and OpenUniverse cosmological simulations.

The candidate will bridge measurements with theory, advance cosmological data analysis, and help define future mission concepts for the 2030 Decadal Survey, while fostering a collaborative, inclusive research culture at JPL.

Qualifications

• PhD in astrophysics or related field with substantial experience.
• Deep technical grounding in cosmology-focused methods and data.
• Strong writing and presentation capabilities for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Bridge raw measurements to theoretical insight through simulations and modeling.
• Contribute to OpenUniverse cosmological simulations and Euclid/Roman science teams.
• Help shape future mission concepts and responses to the 2030 Decadal Survey.
• Integrate astrophysical, instrumental, and statistical systematics in models.

Skills

Cosmological simulations

Modeling

Cosmological data interpretation

Weak lensing

Galaxy clustering

Collaborative teamwork

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Astrophysics

Master's degree in related discipline

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

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. 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.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an innovative Scientist III 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 OpenUniverse 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.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years’ experience, or a master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 6 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 Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• 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.
• Demonstrated record of successfully proposing for research funds as Principal Investigator.

Note: Complete applications will include a cover letter describing the applicant’s vision for their role at JPL as a leader and contributor in the fields of dark energy cosmology and dark matter, a curriculum vita including 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 reference writers.

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. $144,664 - $180,752

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.

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.). JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.