Gravitational Wave Research Scientist III

JPL/NASA • Pasadena, CA

331d • $135,824 - $173,264

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, Physics, or related technical subject area with typically a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in similar subject areas with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or PhD in similar subject areas with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• A proven track record of scientific excellence (i.e., peer-reviewed publications and/or refereed proceedings), showcasing innovative thinking and a proactive approach to future research opportunities.
• Proven experience in 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.

Nice To Haves

• Recognized proficiency 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.
• Proficiency 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.

Responsibilities

• Work as Gravitational-Wave (GW) Research Scientist in the Near-Earth Tracking Systems Group.
• Collaborate closely with Caltech’s Theoretical Astrophysics Relativity (TAPIR) and Cosmology Group as well as experts from Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.
• Perform gravitational wave data processing and algorithm development.

Benefits

• A variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare assistance.
• Childcare support.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree