Development of infrared detectors and focal plane arrays for space instruments

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace research organization is offering a postdoctoral position in Pasadena, California, focusing on advanced infrared imaging technologies for planetary science. Candidates will engage in diverse aspects such as semiconductor design, material characterization, and device microfabrication. A Doctoral Degree is required, and opportunities for personalized project design based on individual interests are available. The position supports advancements in NASA's missions and offers a unique chance to contribute to high-impact research.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a Doctoral Degree.

Responsibilities

• Work on design and bandgap engineering of semiconductor superlattices.
• Conduct material characterization for infrared photonics.
• Engage in device microfabrication for advanced imaging systems.
• Characterize single pixel detectors and focal plane arrays.
• Test and integrate infrared cameras and spectrometers.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Overview

Organization NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Reference Code 0167-NPP-NOV26-JPL-PlanetSci

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

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

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description: Infrared Photonics group is developing a new generation of mid- and long-wavelength infrared imagers and spectrometers for future Earth and planetary science missions. These imagers, based on semiconductor detectors, will provide enhanced sensitivity, better spatial and spectral resolutions, and higher operating temperatures than currently existing technologies. These devices utilize novel unipolar barrier detector architectures as well as new materials such as GaSb-based alloys and superlattices. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work on different aspects of infrared technology including: (1) Design and bandgap engineering of semiconductor superlattices; (2) Material characterization; (3) Device microfabrication; (4) Single pixel detector and focal plane array characterization; (5) Integration and testing of infrared cameras and spectrometers. The specific research project will be selected based on the researcher’s interests and experience.

References:

• Details of relevant literature and prior work are provided in the original description.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Alexander Soibel — [e-mail] — 818.393.0225

Eligibility and Contacts

Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries is available from NASA. Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]

Point of Contact Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree