Job Opportunity: Research Scientist III – Astrobiology and Ocean Worlds

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.

Responsibilities

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory invites applications for a Research Scientist   position to join the Astrobiology and Ocean Worlds Group within the Planetary Science Section.  In this position, you will do the following: 

  • Lead development of instrumentation and/or mission concepts to explore the subsurface of Mars and other habitable environments.
  • Write proposals for advancing research and instrument/mission development in the areas of planetary habitability, subsurface exploration, hydrology, energetics, thermodynamics, geodynamics and astrobiology.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. degree in Earth or Planetary Sciences or related scientific or technical discipline.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge at the forefront in the fields of planetary habitability, geophysics, geodynamics, aqueous geochemistry, modeling and biology/astrobiology, including but not limited to the Mars subsurface.
  • At least 5 years experience following the Ph.D. in research in one or more of the aforementioned fields.
  • Peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals in the aforementioned fields.
  • Well-established record in obtaining funding as PI for scientific research and/or mission/instrument development.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to both work as part of a team and lead a team.

More Information