Postdoc: JWST High-Contrast Imaging Data Analysis

• Analyze and reduce JWST/NIRCam coronagraphic imaging observations.
• Develop and apply model-based forward modeling and phase retrieval techniques to JWST coronagraphic and NIRISS/AMI data, leveraging wavefront sensing telemetry to improve contrast performance.
• Characterize coronagraphic performance and investigate sources of systematic effects and residual starlight.
• Lead peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with JPL and CalTech astronomers and instrument scientists on JWST science investigations.
• Apply techniques developed through JWST observations to future Roman and HWO coronagraphic imaging applications.

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in astronomical data analysis and high-contrast imaging.
• Experience with scientific programming, preferably Python.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills., * Familiarity with PSF subtraction techniques, angular differential imaging, or forward modeling.
• Experience with model-based post-processing, phase retrieval, or wavefront sensing.
• Background in coronagraphy or interferometric techniques (e.g., aperture masking interferometry).
• Prior experience working with JWST, HST, or other space-based observatory data.
• Track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

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.

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.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL’s science and engineering organizations and on Caltech’s academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines’ languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity’s core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions’ results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration’s challenges. The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

The Exoplanet Systems group at JPL is searching for a postdoc who will focus on the reduction and analysis of high-contrast imaging data, with particular emphasis on advanced techniques for characterizing coronagraphic performance. Research activities may include phase retrieval, aperture masking interferometry, and other methods for extracting and interpreting faint signals in coronagraphic observations. The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop new analysis techniques and apply them to observations of exoplanets and other astrophysical targets.

The work will also help advance JPL’s capabilities for future high-contrast imaging missions and instruments, including the Roman Space Telescope and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).