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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.
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Microdevices Laboratory
Technology
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.
Date Posted: 06/15/2009
Application Deadline: 09/15/2009
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Ocean Circulation
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 06/15/2009
Application Deadline: 09/15/2009
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Atomic and Molecular Physics
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 06/15/2009
Application Deadline: 09/15/2009
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Satellite and Modeling Studies of the Atmospheric Branch of the Hydrologic Cycle
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 06/15/2009
Application Deadline: 09/15/2010
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Hershel Space Observatory - Astrophysics Research
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 06/15/2009
Application Deadline: 09/15/2009
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Mesoscale Ocean Circulation
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 06/29/2009
Application Deadline: 02/18/2010
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Ocean Circulation and Sea Level Rise
Earth Science
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
Date Posted: 06/29/2009
Application Deadline: 02/26/2010
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Observational and Theoretical Studies of Dusty Disks and Highly Collimated Mass-Ejections in Old and Young Stars
Astrophysics/Space Science
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).
Date Posted: 06/29/2009
Application Deadline: 12/31/2009
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Receivers for Terahertz Astronomy beyond Herschel
Earth Science
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).
Date Posted: 07/01/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Circumstellar Matter: Jets and Dust
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Laboratory Kinetics and Photochemistry for Earth and Planetary Atmospheres
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
This research opportunity is focused on the study of elementary reactions and photochemical processes important in Earth and planetary atmospheres.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Composition Ground-Based Spectroscopy
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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High Contrast Astronomical Imaging and Interferometry
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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High Contrast Coronagraphy
Technology
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).
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Terahertz Technology Development
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Tectonics and Evolution of the Terrersrial Planets
Planetary Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
The broad topic is geologic, tectonic, and convective processes of the terrestrial planets, especially Venus and Mars.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Ocean Hazards and Prediction
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
This research opportunity focuses on studying ocean hazards and their predictions using satellite observations and advanced ocean circulation models.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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The Cycle of Titan’s Hydrocarbons: Laboratory Experiments and Analysis of Remote Sensing Data
Planetary Science
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.
Date Posted: 07/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Piezoelectric Mechanisms and Devices
Technology
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.
Date Posted: 08/03/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Solar and Heliospheric Observations and Models
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/10/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Microwave Limb Sounding of Atmospheric Composition
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/10/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Planetary Geology and Volcanology
Planetary Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/10/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Multi-Instrument Science Combining Passive and Active Sounding Techniques
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/10/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Mars Polar Science and Technology
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
The postdoctoral fellow will pursue experimental research on Mars Polar Science, including interpretation of Phoenix mission results
Date Posted: 08/12/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Weak Gravitational Lensing as a Probe of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/13/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Ice Sheet Modeling Initiative
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/13/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Understand the Sun and its effects on Earth
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 08/13/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Remote Sensing of Forest Carbon and 3-D Structure
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
For a postdoctoral research position in the area of remote sensing of forest carbon and 3-D structure.
Date Posted: 08/13/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Experimentalist in Highly-Charged Ion Collisions
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Carry out measurements in electron impact excitation of HCIs, and charge-exchange of HCIs with neutral atoms and molecules
Date Posted: 09/17/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Mass Spectrometer Miniaturization
Astrophysics/Space Science
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
Date Posted: 09/17/2009
Application Deadline: 11/02/2009
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Research position in Physical Oceanography and Polar Processes
Earth Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
Description
Arctic sea ice and physical oceanography
Date Posted: 09/18/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Ionospheric response to coupling from above and below
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Using global data sets and models to understand global-scale ionospheric behavior
Date Posted: 09/20/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Postdoc in Mars mineralogy and geology
Planetary Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
Description
Postdoctoral position in Mars mineralogy
Date Posted: 09/23/2009
Application Deadline: 10/15/2009
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Two postdoc positions in Astrobiology
Planetary Science
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.
Date Posted: 09/30/2009
Application Deadline: 12/30/2010
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Sources and Detectors at Submillimeter Wavelengths
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Development of high power sources up to 5 THz
Date Posted: 10/01/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Towards observational constraints on ensemble climate projections
Earth Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Date Posted: 10/05/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Molecular microbial diversity of spacecraft materials and associated environments
Technology
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
Description
Molecular Microbial Community Analysis
Date Posted: 10/13/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Atmospheric Modeling and Remote Sensing Observations
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 10/14/2009
Application Deadline: 10/14/2010
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Postdoctoral Positions in Atmospheric Research
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 10/14/2009
Application Deadline: 10/14/2010
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Cosmology in the Planck era
Astrophysics/Space Science
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
The successful candidate will address salient question in cosmology.
Date Posted: 10/15/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Ultrasensitive Detectors and Calorimeters for Infrared Astronomy
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Nano-HEB
Date Posted: 10/19/2009
Application Deadline: 02/01/2010
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Herschel Postdoctoral Research Position
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 10/26/2009
Application Deadline: 12/10/2009
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The Role of AGN in Galaxy Evolution
Astrophysics/Space Science
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.
Date Posted: 10/28/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Biomarker Detection Strategies and Technologies for Planetary Exploration
Technology
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Description
Biomarker Detection Strategies and Technologies for Planetary Exploration
Date Posted: 10/29/2009
Application Deadline: 03/01/2010
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Postdoctoral positions in remote sounding of atmospheric composition
Earth Science
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.
Date Posted: 11/02/2009
Application Deadline: 12/31/2009
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Habitability of Icy Worlds
Planetary Science
JPL/Caltech Postdoctoral Program
Description
Are the icy worlds of the outer solar system habitable?
Date Posted: 11/10/2009
Application Deadline: 11/30/2009
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