Do you excel in an environment that values exploration and discovery? We have a universe of opportunities waiting for you! 

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is NASA’s lead center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Our core competency is the end-to-end implementation of unprecedented robotic space missions to study Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe.  

JPL, located in Pasadena, California, has a casual, 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.

We are proud to be part of NASA and Caltech, as we explore the universe and make history through new discoveries.

We aim to do things never done before and to go places few can go. We dare mighty things…do you?

As a member of the Geophysics and Planetary Geosciences group in the Planetary Science Research section you will be involved in both ground-based and space-based research into general geochemistry, cosmochemistry, isotope geochemistry, comparative planetology, and astrobiology. You will join a broad-based team of scientists and engineers to advance JPL’s Planetary Science research that excels in applying remote sensing data, in-situ measurements and state of the art models to planetary geophysics. Determining the interior structure and dynamics of planets, moons, and small objects is key to better understanding of the formation and differentiation of Solar System objects. The selected applicant is expected to participate in or lead science definition and advancement of new science, technology, and mission proposals. Provide scientific advice and assessment to projects and/or programs for instruments or subsystems as an expert in the field of interior structures. Interpret scientific questions and issues, and apply theoretical principles, creative analytical techniques and scientific methods to understanding the interior processes that have affected planets and moons. Publish or contribute to publications in refereed scientific journals, and present papers at scientific conferences.

• Ph. D. degree in geology, geophysics, planetary science, or a related scientific discipline with typically a minimum of 2 years related experience.
• Advanced scientific knowledge in one of the following fields: modeling of signal propagation in solid bodies and atmospheres, with applications, for example, to icy satellites, Mars, Venus, and giant planets; processing of geophysical data, in particular seismic signals, over a broad range of frequencies; material mechanical properties and their dependence on several parameters including pressure, temperature and forcing frequency; modelling of planetary internal processes.
• Candidates should also be familiar with one or more of the following themes: modeling of interior structures (petrology, thermal structure) for terrestrial bodies and/or icy satellites; physics of multi-phase media (e.g. granular, partially molten material); atmospheric physics, e.g. atmospheric-surface coupling.
• An established reputation along with a broad knowledge of planetary measurement approaches and expertise in modeling and interpretation of the data for planetary science applications.
• Interest in working closely with science and engineering teams to design planetary exploration missions and instrumentation.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Some previous experience in participating in scientific experiments on spacecraft.
• Success in proposing for external R&A funding.

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