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 Planetary Mass Spectrometry group is seeking a postdoc to work on technology development tasks such are Venus Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (VAMS), Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (QITMS) for the Supercritical CO2 and Subcritical H2O Analysis (SCHAN), and instrument such is the Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (S.A.M), which is used onboard the International Space Station.The selected candidate will be responsible for performing calibration and instrument development within the areas of mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography, with a strong focus on instrument design, implementation, operation, and data analyses. However, the selected candidate will be involved in future technology developments under mentorship. The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor and others, resulting in publications in the open peer-reviewed literature.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, physical chemistry, chemistry or equivalent. Experience in development of mass spectrometer specific technology for at least two years is required.Strong experience and knowledge of vacuum technology, instruments electronics, laboratory measurement equipment, and different mass spectrometer technologies are required.Ideal candidates will have experience in designing, simulating, fabrication, building, experimentally testing, and science data processing and analysis. Candidates who have strong experience in chemistry and physics with hand on laboratory work are preferred. Experience in successfully writing and executing technology proposals is desired.Good writing and communication skills are prerequisites and it is preferred that the candidate is able to publish his/her work in peer-reviewed periodicals or conferences. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum duration of three years.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

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.

$82,180 - $82,180

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.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

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 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.