JPL Postdoctoral Fellow - Photon Counting Detectors for Space Imaging Systems

California Institute Of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory; EE. UU.; Presencial; USD 75.000 - 92.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health benefits and retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Rideshare programs

Childcare support

Learning opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a postdoctoral researcher specializing in silicon detector characterization for high-performance space imaging. You will work with EMCCDs, sCMOS detectors, and Skipper CCDs, developing test methods to extract performance metrics and optimize operating modes.

You will analyze read noise, dark current, and QE, lead precision measurements, and contribute to camera system integration with low-noise readout chains.

Formación

• 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.

Responsabilidades

• Develop state-of-the-art test methodologies to extract key performance metrics.
• Refine detector operating modes 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.

Conocimientos

Hands-on detector characterization

Detector noise analysis

QE measurements

Performance modeling

Custom electronics familiarity

Low-noise readout chains

Publication record

Educación

PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related field

Herramientas

EMCCDs

sCMOS detectors

Skipper CCDs

Descripción del empleo

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. 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.

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

Benefits

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.

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

Equal Opportunity

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.

About JPL

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.