
Job Postings
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory hosts postdoctoral scholars whose studies cover all aspects of
Earth, Planetary, Astrophysical, and Technology research. New opportunities frequently arise
and applications are welcomed.
The appointees will be guided by a JPL advisor to ensure that the research will result in publications in the open literature. The positions are open immediately and will remain open until filled. The appointment is contingent upon evidence of completion of a PhD. The annual starting salary for recent PhD is US $52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant's qualifications. Postdoctoral scholar's positions are awarded for a one- year period. Appointments may be renewed in one-year increments for a maximum addition of two years.
The appointees will be guided by a JPL advisor to ensure that the research will result in publications in the open literature. The positions are open immediately and will remain open until filled. The appointment is contingent upon evidence of completion of a PhD. The annual starting salary for recent PhD is US $52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant's qualifications. Postdoctoral scholar's positions are awarded for a one- year period. Appointments may be renewed in one-year increments for a maximum addition of two years.
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Microdevices Laboratory
Technology
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research will involve development of methods and instrumentation that will enable automated microcapillary electrochromatography (μCEC) analyses on extraterrestrial targets as part of the payload of a remotely operated robotic spacecraft probe.
Ocean Circulation
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research will focus on studying ocean-earth interactions and developing a multi-scale ocean circulation model as part of NASA’s MAP program.
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Astrophysics/Space Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research will involve a collaboration with group members, such as the understanding and supercomputer-modeling of ion trapping and anharmonicities in the Paul ion trap and using the JPL fast-atom source.
Satellite and Modeling Studies of the Atmospheric Branch of the Hydrologic Cycle
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Specific areas of focus are clouds, deep convection and climate feedback processes, with a notable emphasis on liquid and ice cloud microphysics.
Hershel Space Observatory - Astrophysics Research
Astrophysics/Space Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
These positions will involve carrying out observations and developing models and software tools for analysis and interpretation of data on interstellar medium, molecular clouds, cloud cores, and star formation.
Mesoscale Ocean Circulation
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research will involve work on mesoscale and submesoscale ocean dynamics using ECCO2 high-resolution ocean simulations as well as satellite altimetry observations.
Ocean Circulation and Sea Level Rise
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research will involve analysis of satellite and in situ data to investigate the causes of sea level rise, ocean warming, changes in ocean heat transport and the ocean’s general circulation
Observational and Theoretical Studies of Dusty Disks and Highly Collimated Mass-Ejections in Old and Young Stars
Astrophysics/Space Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Candidates should have a recent PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics with a strong background in the study of circumstellar matter, around dying stars or young stars (or both).
Receivers for Terahertz Astronomy beyond Herschel
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Beginning this year, there will be new opportunities for astrophysicists to explore the universe using spectroscopy in the terahertz frequency range as never before, with the expected start of science observing with Herschel Space Observatory and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
Circumstellar Matter: Jets and Dust
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
We are studying dust- and nucleosynthetically-enriched circumstellar matter ejected by low- and intermediate-mass stars at the end of their lives, utilizing data from e.g., Hubble, Spitzer and Chandra.
Laboratory Kinetics and Photochemistry for Earth and Planetary Atmospheres
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
This research opportunity is focused on the study of elementary reactions and photochemical processes important in Earth and planetary atmospheres.
Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Composition Ground-Based Spectroscopy
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Remote sensing spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the measurement of atmospheric species and aerosols that affect air quality and ozone chemistry in Earth's atmosphere.
High Contrast Astronomical Imaging and Interferometry
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The number of known planets around nearby stars continues to increase. The primary goal of this research is the direct detection of the faint emission from such exoplanets and from exozodiacal/debris disks.
High Contrast Coronagraphy
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research topic is ultra high-contrast coronagraphy for space and ground applications. At JPL we have demonstrated better than 10^9 contrast near the image of an artifical star in the High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT).
Terahertz Technology Development
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
his research area is intended for the development of terahertz sensors, sources, components and instruments for Earth and planetary remote sensing and in-situ measurements, astrophysics and laboratory based technology demonstration.
Tectonics and Evolution of the Terrersrial Planets
Planetary Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The broad topic is geologic, tectonic, and convective processes of the terrestrial planets, especially Venus and Mars.
Ocean Hazards and Prediction
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
This research opportunity focuses on studying ocean hazards and their predictions using satellite observations and advanced ocean circulation models.
The Cycle of Titan’s Hydrocarbons: Laboratory Experiments and Analysis of Remote Sensing Data
Planetary Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
RADAR images of Titan’s northern hemisphere show the presence of lakes. The Huygens probe revealed the presence of dark channels cutting into equatorial bright terrain, with patterns consistent with either rainfall drainage channels or spring-fed channels.
Piezoelectric Mechanisms and Devices
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The selected candidate will be work on task(s) related to the NASA Strategic Objectives is the implementation of a sustainable and affordable robotic program to explore the Solar System and beyond.
Solar and Heliospheric Observations and Models
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Research opportunities are available for analysis of solar and heliospheric observations with emphasis on connecting solar observations to their signatures in the in situ data.
Microwave Limb Sounding of Atmospheric Composition
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The Microwave Atmospheric Science team at JPL is responsible for the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on the EOS Aura platform, launched in July 2004.
Planetary Geology and Volcanology
Planetary Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
This opportunity is for studies of geology and, in particular, the study of volcanic processes in the solar system, using a combination of theoretical modeling, spacecraft data and field work on Earth where appropriate.
Multi-Instrument Science Combining Passive and Active Sounding Techniques
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
This research opportunity calls for innovative work to identify and answer science questions related to moist processes in the mid-to-lower troposphere, possibly involving relationships between cloud formation, atmospheric moisture, and vertical temperature profiles.
Mars Polar Science and Technology
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The postdoctoral fellow will pursue experimental research on Mars Polar Science, including interpretation of Phoenix mission results
Weak Gravitational Lensing as a Probe of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Weak gravitational lensing, where the sizes and shapes of background galaxies are slightly distorted by foreground dark matter, is one of the premier tools of precision cosmology.
Ice Sheet Modeling Initiative
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Research opportunities exist within the JPL/UC Irvine Ice Sheet Modeling Initiative to produce new numerical models capable of more reliable predictions of ice sheet evolution in a warming climate.
Understand the Sun and its effects on Earth
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research is aimed at the role of solar variability in Space Climate in accord with the NASA Living With a Star (LWS) Program.
Remote Sensing of Forest Carbon and 3-D Structure
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
For a postdoctoral research position in the area of remote sensing of forest carbon and 3-D structure.
Experimentalist in Highly-Charged Ion Collisions
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Carry out measurements in electron impact excitation of HCIs, and charge-exchange of HCIs with neutral atoms and molecules
Mass Spectrometer Miniaturization
Astrophysics/Space Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
study mass spectrometer miniaturization with emphasis on the detailed trapping behavior of the Paul ion trap, space-charge effects, and external ion injection; participate in measurements of product distributions in reactions of fast H- and O-atom with surface-adsorbed molecules
Research position in Physical Oceanography and Polar Processes
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Arctic sea ice and physical oceanography
Ionospheric response to coupling from above and below
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Using global data sets and models to understand global-scale ionospheric behavior
Postdoc in Mars mineralogy and geology
Planetary Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Postdoctoral position in Mars mineralogy
Two postdoc positions in Astrobiology
Planetary Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The aim of the research is to develop new biosignatures and paleoenvironmental proxies, with a focus on sulfate evaporite minerals. The planned work has two main strands.
Sources and Detectors at Submillimeter Wavelengths
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Development of high power sources up to 5 THz
Towards observational constraints on ensemble climate projections
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Molecular microbial diversity of spacecraft materials and associated environments
Technology
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Molecular Microbial Community Analysis
Atmospheric Modeling and Remote Sensing Observations
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Research duties include the development and evaluation of parameterizations for clouds, boundary layer and convection in climate and weather prediction models.
Postdoctoral Positions in Atmospheric Research
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
The research ranges from studying and developing remote sensing techniques to application of remote sensing data in hurricane research, climate studies, and the use of satellite data in atmospheric models.
Cosmology in the Planck era
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
The successful candidate will address salient question in cosmology.
Ultrasensitive Detectors and Calorimeters for Infrared Astronomy
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Nano-HEB
Herschel Postdoctoral Research Position
Astrophysics/Space Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
This position will involve carrying out observations and developing models for analysis and interpretation of data on molecular clouds, cloud cores, and star formation. A major focus of the work will be data from the Herschel Space Observatory, launched in May 2009. JPL scientists have a major involvement in this mission and have guaranteed observing time and involvement in three Herschel Open Time Key Projects.
The Role of AGN in Galaxy Evolution
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
We seek an NPP Fellow to study the role of AGN activity in galaxy evolution, using data from several recent and upcoming NASA missions.
Biomarker Detection Strategies and Technologies for Planetary Exploration
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
NASA Postdoctoral Program

Description
Biomarker Detection Strategies and Technologies for Planetary Exploration
Postdoctoral positions in remote sounding of atmospheric composition
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
We seek one or more post doctoral researchers to join the science team for the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Sucessful candidates will work on the MLS retrievals of atmospheric composition, particularly for the retrievals of gaseous species in the presence of clouds and retrievals of weakly emitting species in the stratosphere.
Habitability of Icy Worlds
Planetary Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program

Description
Are the icy worlds of the outer solar system habitable?
