JPL Postdoctoral Fellow - Photon Counting Detectors for Space Imaging Systems

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental plan

Vision plan

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance silicon detector characterization for high-performance space imaging. You will work with EMCCDs, sCMOS, and Skipper CCDs to understand device behavior, reduce noise, and improve quantum efficiency for mission-critical detectors.

You will develop state-of-the-art test methodologies to extract key performance metrics, refine detector operating modes, and optimize clocking and bias schemes, with

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with silicon detector characterization (EMCCD, sCMOS, CCD, or Skipper CCD preferred).
• Expertise in detector noise analysis, QE measurements, and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with custom electronics, low-noise readout chains, and detector testbeds.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics and charge transport mechanisms.
• Ability to design and optimize detector operating modes, clocking, and bias conditions.
• Experience with precision calibration, spectral measurements, and data interpretation.
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated record of scientific publication.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research on silicon detector characterization for high-performance space imaging.
• Develop test methodologies to extract performance metrics and optimize clocking and bias schemes.
• Analyze read noise, dark current, charge transfer efficiency, gain stability, and single-photon sensitivity across detector architectures.
• Lead precision QE measurements and spectral response characterization.
• Collaborate with JPL advisor to publish results in open literature.

Skills

Detector characterization

Detector noise analysis

QE measurements

Low-noise readout

Clocking optimization

Bias conditions optimization

Data interpretation

Scientific publication

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Tools

EMCCD

sCMOS

Skipper CCD

Custom electronics

Low-noise readout chains

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.

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.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher specializing in silicon detector characterization and optimization for high performance space imaging applications. The researcher will work with technologies such as EMCCDs, sCMOS detectors, and Skipper CCDs, with a strong emphasis on understanding device behavior, reducing noise, and improving effective quantum efficiency to meet mission‑critical requirements.

A core part of the role involves developing state‑of‑the‑art test methodologies to extract key performance metrics, refine detector operating modes, and optimize clocking and bias schemes. The candidate will analyze parameters such as read noise, dark current, charge transfer efficiency, gain stability, and single‑photon sensitivity across multiple detector architectures.

The position also includes leading precision QE measurements, spectral response characterization, and camera system integration efforts using custom electronics and low‑noise readout chains. The work directly supports astrophysics detector development and advances next‑generation space camera technologies.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field
• Hands‑on experience with silicon detector characterization (EMCCD, sCMOS, CCD, or Skipper CCD preferred)
• Expertise in detector noise analysis, QE measurements, and performance modeling
• Familiarity with custom electronics, low‑noise readout chains, and detector testbeds
• Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics and charge transport mechanisms
• Ability to design and optimize detector operating modes, clocking, and bias conditions
• Experience with precision calibration, spectral measurements, and data interpretation
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated record of scientific publication

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.
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 .