Development of Semiconductor Lasers for Absorption Spectroscopy

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

Job summary

ORAU is hiring for a postdoctoral researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The role involves designing and fabricating advanced semiconductor lasers for spectroscopy and LIDAR, essential for future Earth and planetary missions.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong expertise in infrared quantum cascade laser design. Eligible candidates must meet specific U.S. citizenship and residency requirements. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 11/1/2026.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in infrared quantum cascade laser design and fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Design infrared quantum cascade lasers in the 2–3 µm range and low‑power quantum cascade lasers in the 4–10 µm range.
• Fabricate and characterize semiconductor laser diodes and QCLs for spectroscopy and LIDAR applications.
• Collaborate within a small research team to develop laser diodes for planetary missions.

Skills

Infrared quantum cascade laser design

Fabrication of semiconductor laser diodes

Collaboration in research teams

Education

Doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0104-NPP-NOV26-JPL-EarthSci

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Earth Science

Program Overview

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 fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Research Description

The advanced microfabrication and optoelectronics group at JPL is seeking postdoctoral researchers to design, fabricate, and characterize advanced semiconductor lasers for spectroscopy and LIDAR. The focus is on next‑generation tunable diode laser (TLD) absorption spectrometers that are compact, low‑power, and low‑cost, intended for future Earth and planetary missions, including Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Europa, and their moons. The key enablers are semiconductor lasers at specific wavelengths matching the absorption bands of biogenic gases and their isotope ratios.

Responsibilities

• Design infrared quantum cascade lasers in the 2‑3 µm range and low‑power quantum cascade lasers in the 4‑10 µm range.
• Fabricate and characterize semiconductor laser diodes and QCLs for spectroscopy and LIDAR applications.
• Collaborate within a small research team to develop laser diodes for planetary missions.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in infrared quantum cascade laser design, fabrication, and single‑mode semiconductor laser fabrication.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizens; U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents; Foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa; Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589 forms.
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Advisors

• Siamak Forouhar – [e-mail] – (818) 393‑5023
• Shouleh Nikzad – [e-mail] – 818‑354‑7496

Application Deadline

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