JWST Exoplanet Theory Postdoctoral Fellow

About the role

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work with a team of world-class collaborators on the JWST Cycle 1 GO Program 2512, which includes NIRSpec/BOTS transmission spectroscopy of 11 super-Earth and sub-Neptune transiting exoplanets detected by TESS.

Responsibilities

• Work on the JWST Cycle 1 GO Program 2512, focusing on NIRSpec/BOTS transmission spectroscopy of exoplanets.
• Contribute to the understanding of atmospheric diversity in small planets through observational data analysis.
• Collaborate with a multi-institutional team of graduate students, postdocs, and faculty/permanent researchers.
• Lead publications on individual planets/planet systems and contribute to team-led publications.
• Develop and apply forward models and spectral inference techniques to infer atmospheric properties from spectroscopic observations.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in spectral inference or forward models, particularly in the context of exoplanet atmospheres.
• Strong background in planetary science, astrophysics, or a closely related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript

Skills

• Expertise in spectral inference and Bayesian or machine learning-based techniques.
• Knowledge of forward models in various scientific contexts.
• Experience with exoplanet observation and analysis.

Benefits

• Unique research opportunities at NASA Centers, Headquarters, or affiliated institutes.
• Competitive one- to three-year fellowships supporting NASA missions.
• Collaborative environment with a supportive team of experts.
• Opportunities to lead and contribute to publications on exoplanet research.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Application Deadline

November 1, 2026, 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone