The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology invites applications for a staff Scientist in the Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres group in the Planetary Science Section at JPL. In this position, you will perform observational studies of giant planet atmospheres from ground-based and airborne facilities and pursue research into the temporal and spatial structure of cloud and gas abundance distributions in the upper atmospheres of both the Gas and Ice Giants. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop an independently funded research program and will pursue new lines of research focusing on the chemistry and dynamics of the atmospheres of planets in the solar system.
This position requires the following qualifications:
- Ph.D. degree in planetary science, planetary physics, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry or related field.
- Demonstrated experience with telescopic observations of planetary atmospheres, including those of the Outer Planets (Ice Giants and Gas Giants), particularly as it relates to support of active missions and missions in development. Familiarity with operating procedures and principles of large ground-based and/or airborne telescopes, and success in obtaining telescopic observing time
- Peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals in the aforementioned fields.
- 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.
The following qualifications are preferred:
- 3+ years’ minimum experience following the Ph.D. in research in planetary science, planetary physics, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry or related field.
- Experience using numerical methods to retrieve temperature, cloud and gas abundance distributions in the atmosphere of the Ice Giants (Uranus/Neptune) and Gas Giants (Jupiter/Saturn).
- Familiarity with existing software packages for retrieval of temperature profiles, cloud properties and gaseous abundance distribution
- History of writing successful external research funding proposals
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad scientific community and the public.
- Prior involvement in activities of service to the community, including, but not limited to, review boards, telescope time allocation panels, proposal and manuscript review.
To view the full description of this unique opportunity (including EEO statement and NASA requirements) and apply, please visit: http://jpl.jobs/jobs/2020-12485-Research-Scientist-II-Planetary-and-Exoplanetary-Atmospheres. Applications received by November 23, 2020, will receive full consideration.