Gravitational Wave Research Scientist IV

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 Tracking Systems and Application Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to spacecraft tracking and related applications. The section pioneered the classical gravity-sensing GRACE mission series, which measures fluctuations in inter-spacecraft range to measure time-variable gravity of the Earth. Laser Ranging Interferometer from GRACE Follow-On was derived from our work on Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) technology development.  The Section provides the Deep Space Network (DSN) with precision atomic frequency and time references and distribution systems. The Section supports algorithm development, calibration and validation of NASA’s satellite altimeter missions as well as NASA's deep-space missions by providing to the JPL navigators unique and extremely precise radiometric sources and data types. The Section also delivers to JPL navigators a host of other products that are required for deep space navigation such as celestial and terrestrial reference frame coordinates, Earth orientation parameters, and calibrations to account for the effects of the Earth's troposphere and ionosphere on radiofrequency metric tracking data-types. 

For terrestrial and near-Earth users the Section offers the highest accuracy Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based positioning and timing products and services. The Section also performs extensive scientific investigations using its technologies in the areas of planetary dynamics, astrophysics, astrometry and radio astronomy, gravitational waves, geophysics, and fundamental physics.

Responsibilities:

You will be a Research Scientist in the Near-Earth Tracking Systems Group Gravitational-Wave (GW) Research Scientist.  The successful applicant will join JPL’s current team in the Origin Of The Universe and the Near Earth Tracking System Groups, collaborating closely with Caltech’s Theoretical Astrophysics Relativity (TAPIR) and Cosmology Group as well as experts from Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise and leadership in developing data analysis algorithms for the upcoming LISA. Applicants should have a substantial track record of peer-reviewed publications related to LISA data analysis.

Required Skills:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related subject area with a minimum of 5 years’ experience, or a master's degree in a similar subject area with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or a bachelor's degree in a similar subject area with a minimum of 9 years of related experience.

• A proven track record of scientific excellence, showcasing innovative thinking and a proactive approach to future research opportunities

• Proven experience in leading the development of data analysis algorithms for LISA

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated effectiveness in a team environment, fostering diverse ideas and backgrounds

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills:

• Recognized expertise in the LISA “global-fit” problem and a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications related to LISA data analysis

• Valued capability in cross-disciplinary science, effectively working at the interfaces of different fields to enhance collaborative efforts

• Demonstrated leadership ability, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, with the potential to invent, develop, and lead missions, instruments, data techniques, and enabling technologies in space astrophysics and physics

• Fluency in scientific techniques such as measurements, uncertainty estimation, and data science methodologies that are crucial for executing research

• Expertise in areas likely to receive ongoing financial support and contribute to the growth of funding opportunities

• Ability to contribute beyond a narrow research area, adapting to evolving project needs and exploring new research avenues

• Generalist capabilities alongside specialized expertise, recognizing that the time scale of a career at JPL extends beyond immediate projects

• Skill in experimental techniques and hardware

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 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. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$164,320 - $205,920

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.

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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.