JPL Postdoctoral Fellow - MBE Enabled UV Sensing for Space Instrumentation

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Wellbeing and retirement plans

Paid time off and learning

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California invites a postdoctoral researcher to advance next-generation ultraviolet detector technologies for NASA missions. The role emphasizes molecular beam epitaxy, materials growth, and interface optimization to enable space-ready photodetectors.

The researcher will design wafer-scale fabrication processes, develop epitaxial passivation strategies, and characterize materials and devices using AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, and photodetector testing, with

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in MBE or epitaxial materials growth.
• Experience with ellipsometry, AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, or SIMS for characterization.
• Ability to translate materials data into process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine wafer-scale fabrication processes and epitaxial passivation strategies.
• Characterize materials and devices using AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, and related testing methods.
• Establish a tight feedback loop between detector behavior and fabrication improvements.
• Publish results through papers, presentations, and internal reports.

Skills

MBE/Epitaxial growth

Materials characterization

Data interpretation for process

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD completed or near completion

Tools

Laboratory hardware & instrumentation

Job description

Job Details

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.

Job Details

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.

This postdoctoral role focuses on advancing next‑generation ultraviolet detector technologies for future NASA missions. The position centers on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for materials growth, band‑structure engineering, and interface optimization to enable high‑performance, space‑ready photodetectors.

The researcher will design and refine wafer‑scale fabrication processes, develop new epitaxial passivation strategies, and perform materials and device characterization using techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, and photodetector performance testing. A key element of the work is establishing a tight feedback loop between detector behavior and fabrication process improvements.

This effort directly supports technology maturation and mission infusion across multiple NASA programs. The successful candidate will document progress through publications, presentations, and internal reports while contributing to the development of flight‑ready UV detector architectures.

Required Qualifications

• Background in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field, with a PhD completed or nearing completion.
• Strong background in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), epitaxial materials growth, or semiconductor process engineering.
• Proficiency in materials characterization methods such as ellipsometry, AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, or SIMS.
• Ability to interpret materials and device data and translate it into process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the use and maintenance of laboratory hardware and instrumentation
• Hands‑on cleanroom fabrication experience, ideally at wafer scale, including lithography, deposition, etching, and related process tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

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.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,820 - $83,820

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.

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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.