Senior LISA Gravitational-Wave Data Scientist

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 145,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Staff Scientist to advance gravitational-wave data analysis for LISA. You will design and implement pipelines, integrate theory with data, and collaborate across Caltech and NASA centers to untangle complex signals.

The role requires a PhD with strong publications, 3+ years post-doctoral experience, and excellence in communication within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related field with 3+ years post-doc or relevant research experience.
• Deep technical foundation in gravitational-wave data analysis methodologies.
• Proven track record of scientific excellence with peer-reviewed publications and presentations at major international conferences.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and commitment to inclusive research culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop Core Pipelines: design, implement, and validate novel data analysis algorithms, noise reduction algorithms, low-latency alert pipelines, and global-fit architectures for low-frequency gravitational-wave data.
• Bridge Theory and Data: integrate instrumental, environmental, and astrophysical systematics into robust statistical frameworks to isolate faint signals.
• Collaborate with Caltech/JPL ecosystems: work with Galaxies and Cosmology Groups, TAPIR, and PMA across Caltech.
• Strengthen US LISA ties: collaborate with NASA LISA ecosystem across GSFC, MSFC, and JPL.
• Astrophysical Modeling: develop and connect theoretical models to data analysis pipelines for source waveforms and populations.
• Shape Long-Term Capabilities: contribute to future space-based mission concepts and enabling data technologies.

Skills

Gravitational-wave data analysis

Communication skills

Collaboration in multi-institutional团队

Machine learning / data science

Education

PhD in Physics/Astrophysics

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Staff Scientist to advance gravitational-wave data analysis for LISA. You will design and implement pipelines, integrate theory with data, and collaborate across Caltech and NASA centers to untangle complex signals.

The role requires a PhD with strong publications, 3+ years post-doctoral experience, and excellence in communication within multidisciplinary teams.