Scientist IV

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 171,704 - 215,072; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Work-life balance initiatives

Job summary

A leading research institution in Pasadena is seeking a Staff Scientist to work in cosmology. This role involves bridging raw measurements and theoretical insights, contributing to cosmological simulations, and shaping future mission concepts. Ideal candidates should have a Ph.D. in Astrophysics with significant experience in data interpretation, weak lensing, and teamwork. The position promises a collaborative environment while inspiring innovation and research development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience with a Ph.D. status required.
• Proven expertise in cosmological project leadership.
• Experience with publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between raw measurement and theoretical insight.
• Contribute to cosmological simulations project and teams.
• Integrate various astrophysical and statistical systematics.

Skills

Cosmological simulations

Data interpretation

Weak lensing expertise

Galaxy clustering

Collaborative teamwork

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Astrophysics

Master's in related discipline

Bachelor's in related discipline

Job description

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

• 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.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience, or a Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 9 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 vitae including a bibliography of peer-reviewed and other publications, a statement on research experience and research objectives, and contact information for at least three professional reference writers.

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

Benefits

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 is $171,704 - $215,072.

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.

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.