Postdoc: Next-Gen UV Detectors for Space

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 71,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance next‑generation ultraviolet detector technologies for NASA missions. The role focuses on molecular beam epitaxy for materials growth, band‑structure engineering, and interface optimization to enable high‑performance, space‑ready photodetectors.

You will design wafer‑scale fabrication processes, refine epitaxial passivation strategies, and perform materials and device characterization, supporting flight‑ready detector

Qualifications

• PhD completed or nearing completion in physics, materials science or electrical engineering.
• Strong background in MBE, epitaxial materials growth, or semiconductor process engineering.
• Proficiency with materials characterization methods and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine wafer-scale fabrication processes for UV detectors.
• Develop epitaxial passivation strategies and device characterization flows.
• Establish tight feedback between detector behavior and fabrication improvements.
• Document progress through publications, presentations, and reports.

Skills

MBE expertise

Materials characterization

Device physics

Education

PhD in physics / materials science / EE

Tools

Ellipsometry

AFM

SEM

TEM

XRD

SIMS

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance next‑generation ultraviolet detector technologies for NASA missions. The role focuses on molecular beam epitaxy for materials growth, band‑structure engineering, and interface optimization to enable high‑performance, space‑ready photodetectors.

You will design wafer‑scale fabrication processes, refine epitaxial passivation strategies, and perform materials and device characterization, supporting flight‑ready detector