Scientist IV

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision plans

Learning opportunities

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking an expert in astrophysics to work on cosmological simulations and contribute to groundbreaking research. The role demands a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline and extensive experience in data modeling and interpretation, along with excellent communication skills.

The ideal candidate will integrate technical knowledge with team collaboration to influence future mission strategies. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, flexible schedules, and a focus on work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience.
• Deep technical foundation in cosmological simulations, modeling, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between raw measurement and theoretical insight.
• Contribute to the OpenUniverse cosmological simulations project.
• Develop mission concepts to influence the 2030 Decadal Survey.
• Integrate astrophysical, instrumental, and statistical systematics into models.

Skills

Cosmological simulations

Modeling

Data interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline

Master’s degree in a related discipline

Bachelor’s degree in a 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 and search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations and share our discoveries to inspire the next.

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 OpenUniverse cosmological simulations project and the Euclid and Roman science teams.
• 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, aiming to define the future of how we understand the dark universe.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astrophysics or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Master’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience.
• Deep technical foundation in cosmological simulations, modeling, and 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 the ability to thrive within a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proactive commitment to fostering diverse ideas and backgrounds.

Preferred Skills

• A Ph.D. with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Demonstrated professional reputation as a productive researcher with a track record of peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Record of successfully proposing for research funds as Principal Investigator.

Benefits

JPL offers a wide range of benefits and perks, including health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans; paid time off; learning opportunities; rideshare; childcare; a flexible schedule; parental leave; and more. Our focus is on work‑life balance and living healthy, fulfilling lives as weDare Mighty Things Together. For eligible positions, benefits take effect the first day of the month following the employee’s start date.

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, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO is the Law. 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 here.

Applications received by May15th2026 will receive full consideration.