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 Laboratory Studies Group. The candidate will be expected to establish and maintain an independently funded research program studying biologically-derived organics and their relationship with the geological environment, and microbiology in environments relevant to future astrobiological targets. The candidate will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and give talks at national and international conferences. The candidate will also be expected to participate in campaign planning and surface operations in the Mars 2020 mission. Opportunities exist for participation in ongoing and future NASA missions.

This position requires the following qualifications:

• Experience in UV flight instrument operation and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in astrobiology, specifically in spatial-correlated analyses on structures of organics and the interpretation of its origin within the petrological context.
• Well-established record in geomicrobiology, evidenced by publications in refereed scientific journals and participation in national/international meetings.
• Experience with organic structural analysis and its interpretation in petrological and mineralogical context.
• PhD in geomicrobiology, or a related field.

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Familiarity with the Mars sample return campaign.
• Experience obtaining grant funding.
• Experience in mission operation.

Complete applications will include a cover letter describing the applicant’s vision for this role at JPL, a curriculum vita including a bibliography of refereed and other work, a statement on research experience and research objectives, and contact information for at least three professional references. Please combine all documents into one PDF.

Applications received by September 10, 2023 will receive full consideration.

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.

$93,496 - $126,464

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 U.S. Citizens, 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.