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 seeking a temporary scientist to join the Sea Level and Ice Group in the Earth Science Section. 

To learn about Earth Science at JPL, please visit: https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/division/earth-science/.

The Ice Sheet Modelling Scientist will be a member of the Ice Sheet and Sea Level System Model (ISSM) project team. ISSM is a leading open-source ice sheet model that provides projections of ice sheet change to the IPCC Assessment Reports, state estimates of ice sheets to the research community, has adjoint and data assimilation capabilities, and is coupled to an ocean model. The research scientist will help with the maintenance and development of ISSM. The successful individual will also be required to lead science publications, help advance the project programmatically, to map out future needs, and coordinate with the cryosphere research community to align ISSM products and capabilities with community needs.

The successful candidate will:

Maintain, develop, calibrate, validate ice sheet models.

Maintain ice sheet models adjoint and uncertainty quantification capabilities.

Deliver code base and products for ice-ocean coupled project.

Advertise core ice-ocean coupled products to the science community.

Collect requirements for new products and deliver corresponding capabilities in ice sheet modeling and corresponding products.

Organize workshops, maintain support for the community, tutorials, notebooks.

Publish manuscripts on research results

The following qualifications are required:

A PhD in Cryosphere science or a related technical discipline.

Strong analytical skills, strong publication record in the field of ice-sheet science.

Experience with ice sheet modeling.

Strong software coding skills, including: Matlab, Python, Julia, Jupyter Notebooks, C++, MPI communications, Fortran.

Moderate experience with software administration (bash, *nix, scripting)

Experience working in a dynamic team environment, with strong interpersonal skills.

Note: As a temporary position, this assignment may last up to 36 months in duration with approvals based on 12-month assignments. However, please note that you are not under any employment contract and your temporary employment status can be terminated at any time, with or without notice.

Complete applications will include a CV, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references. Please combine all documents into one PDF. 

Applications received by November 27, 2024, 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.

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 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.