Integrated photonic-electronic-quantum systems research for future space missions

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA's Postdoctoral Program invites highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, Headquarters, or affiliated institutes. Fellowship durations range from one to three years, focusing on laser metrology, photonic-electronic-quantum systems, and space communications.

The opportunity covers chip-scale laser systems, MEMS/nanophotonic technologies, and heterogeneous integration.

Qualifications

• > Successful candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related areas; familiar with multiple analytical/experimental tools such as lithography, deposition, etching, spectroscopy, and photonic integration.

Responsibilities

• > Contribute to development of integrated photonic-electronic-quantum systems for laser metrology.
• > Conduct research aligning with NASA missions in space science, Earth science, and aeronautics.
• > Collaborate with centers and institutes to advance photonics technologies.

Skills

UV/e-beam lithography

Vapor Deposition

RF/Microwave instruments

Nanophotonic design software

Cadence/Siemens RF/Microwave EDA

Zemax

Fabry-Perot cavity characterization

On-chip waveguide characterization

Education

PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Comsol

Ansys

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0301-NPP-NOV26-JPL-TechDev

Application Deadline

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

Description

About 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.

This opportunity involves research and development activities in the following technology areas: 1. Chip-scale stable laser systems using MEMS and nanophotonic technologies including but not limited to silicon nitride on-chip etalons and waveguides, lithium niobate modulators and waveguides, heterogeneous integration/packaging of photonic microdevices, on-chip precision atomic and molecular spectroscopy, physics and chemistry with chip-scale atomic and molecular vapor cells and photonic integration/packaging interfaces; 2. Supporting DC, RF, and microwave electronics and optoelectronics, including but not limited to cutting-edge GaN, GaAs, InGaAs, InP, AlN, diamond, etc semiconductor technologies that potentially can be heterogeneously integrated with stable laser systems.

The goal is to develop integrated photonic-electronic-quantum systems for laser metrology in future large space telescopes, high-speed and secure space communications, sensing, power transfer, and similar missions.

Field of Science

Technology Development

Advisors

Lin Yi

[e-mail]

[phone]

Mahmood Bagheri

[e-mail]

[phone]

Applications with citizens from 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 can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility

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; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

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

Qualifications

Successful candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or relevant to the above technological areas and should be familiar with a few or more of the following analytical and experimental tools and processes: UV/e-beam lithography, UV imprint, Thermal/E-beam evaporation, Vapor Deposition, Reactive ion/ICP etching, dry/wet etching, Annealing, Poling, SEM, AFM, Nanophotonic design software, Comsol, Ansys, Cadence/Siemens Rf/Microwave EDA, Zemax, Optical Spectrum Analyzer, fiber splicer, RF/DC instruments, laser spectroscopy, Fabry-Perot cavity/delay-line characterization, on-chip waveguide characterization, thermal-mechanical stress analysis, Rf/Microwave load-pull, monolithic-microwave IC design, analog-digital hybrid IC design, chip-bonding and packaging physics and chemistry processes, etc.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.