The origin of exoplanets with JWST and future far-infrared space telescopes

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The NASA Postdoctoral Program invites highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships support work on JWST and SPHEREx data within the JDISCS collaboration, advancing our understanding of planetary disk chemistry.

Applicants with Python, radiative-transfer or chemical- codes experience, infrared spectroscopy, and strong collaboration skills are encouraged

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/astrochemistry/planetary science.
• Experience with Python, git/github, AI-leveraged software development, radiative transfer or chemical codes, and/or infrared imaging and spectroscopy encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Analyze JWST and SPHEREx spectroscopic data within the JDISCS collaboration.
• Develop scientific software and data pipelines for large astrophysical datasets.

Skills

Python

Git/GitHub

Infrared spectroscopy

Radiative transfer

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/astrochemistry/planetary science

Tools

Python

Git

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0350-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Astrophys

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description:

JWST is returning a treasure trove of spectroscopic data, leading a revolution in our understanding of the structure, dynamics, and chemistry of primary planet-forming regions in protoplanetary disks. Tracing water and organics, both in the solid and gas-phase, the data allow us to measure fundamental properties of the disks for direct comparison with observations of the chemical make-up of exoplanetary atmospheres. We are seeking applicants to work with extensive near- to mid-infrared spectroscopic data from JWST and SPHEREx as part of the JDISCS collaboration. The analyses include retrievals of parameters such as molecular abundances, and interpretation using state-of-the‑art radiative transfer and chemical models. The results of the work inform the development of future far-infrared space missions, including the Far-Infrared Probe concept, PRIMA. We particularly encourage applicants with interests in processing and analysis of large data sets, development of scientific software, data pipelines, applied radiative transfer, and/or precise calibration of astrophysical data.

Relevant references:

• JWST data: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024ApJ...963..158P/abstract
• JDISCS: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025AJ....170...67A/abstract
• Future far-infrared observations: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025JATIS..11c1635P/abstract

Field of Science:

Astrophysics

Advisors:

Klaus Pontoppidan

[e-mail]

[phone]

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.

A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]

Qualifications

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/astrochemistry/planetary science. Applicants with experience with Python, git/github, ai‑leveraged software development, radiative transfer or chemical codes, and/or infrared imaging and spectroscopy are encouraged to apply. Enthusiasm for working as part of a large collaboration/team is important.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.