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 Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites applications for a newly created research position in the Small Bodies Group. The successful candidate will conduct ultra-high vacuum chamber experiments in the Ocean Worlds Lab at JPL to better characterize the spectroscopic and spectrometric signatures of ices, salts, and organic compounds on ocean worlds, such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. The scientist will help conduct both vapor deposition and solid sample irradiation experiments at cryogenic temperatures and pressures of ~10-8 torr.

The following qualifications are required:

• PhD in planetary science, physical chemistry, or a related scientific field.

• Demonstrated professional reputation as a productive researcher with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and/or international conferences.

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability in research and broad range of experimental skills.

• Background in planetary science and remote sensing, with expertise in visible/near-/mid-infrared spectroscopy.

• Demonstrated laboratory skills and familiarity with methods for sample processing and analyses under irradiation, UHV, and cryogenic conditions.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Matlab and Python for data processing from experiments and spaceflight spectrometers.

• Demonstrated record of publications in scientific journals.

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Familiarity with analyses of mass spectrometer data and use of residual gas analyzers.

• Hapke models and radiative transfer as applied to planetary surfaces.

Note: As a temporary position, this assignment may last up to 36 months in duration with approvals based on 12-month assignments. However, please note that you are not under any employment contract and your temporary employment status can be terminated at any time, with or without notice.

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.

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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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

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 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.