Postdoc: Trapped Ion Quantum Clocks and Precision Timing Systems

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,438 - 92,202; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral researcher in Quantum Science & Technology to advance precision timing and quantum technologies. Located in Pasadena, California, this role involves experimental research in trapped ion systems and quantum measurement techniques.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. and have a robust background in atomic physics and precision measurements. Exceptional benefits and a collaborative atmosphere are offered to support innovation and career growth.

Qualifications

• Experience with laser systems, optics, precision measurement techniques, and vacuum instrumentation.
• Strong background in atomic physics, precision measurements, and quantum optics.
• Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and experimentally operate trapped ion clock systems.
• Support research on mercury ion and ytterbium optical clock technologies.
• Conduct performance characterization and data analysis of ion clock systems.

Skills

Laser systems

Optics

Precision measurement techniques

Quantum optics

Atomic physics

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics, or a related field

Tools

Vacuum instrumentation

Trapped ion systems

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.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross‑discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL’s science and engineering organizations and on Caltech’s academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines’ languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before.

JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity’s core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions’ results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration’s challenges.

The postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

JPL is looking for a postdoc who will join the Quantum Science & Technology research community and contribute to ongoing efforts in precision timing and quantum technologies. This work supports the continued advancement of ion clock research capabilities at JPL and contributes to future applications in space‑based timing systems and quantum‑enabled technologies.

This position involves experimental research in the design, development, operation, and testing of trapped ion systems for precision frequency standards and quantum timing applications. The research emphasizes hands‑on laboratory work involving ion trapping systems, cold atom systems, precision measurements, numerical simulations, laser systems, vacuum systems, and quantum measurement techniques relevant to state‑of‑the‑art atomic clock and quantum technologies.

The postdoc will contribute to the advancement of next‑generation ion clock architectures through experimental investigation, system refinement, and performance characterization. The work is structured as a postdoctoral‑level research effort intended to support innovation in quantum timing technologies while providing opportunities for publication and collaboration within JPL’s Quantum Science & Technology community.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and experimentally operate trapped ion clock systems
• Support research on mercury ion and ytterbium optical clock technologies
• Support research on relevant quantum technologies in the group as opportunities and interests arise
• Develop and optimize laser, vacuum, and control systems for precision timing experiments
• Conduct performance characterization and data analysis of ion clock systems
• Contribute to experimental investigations of next‑generation quantum timing technologies
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across JPL and partner institutions

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics, or a related field
• Experience with laser systems, optics, precision measurement techniques, and vacuum instrumentation
• Strong background in atomic physics, precision measurements, and quantum optics
• Demonstrated research productivity through peer‑reviewed publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experimental experience with trapped ion systems, cold atom systems, Bose‑Einstein condensate, or atomic clock technologies
• Familiarity with quantum measurement, control techniques, and precision frequency standards
• Experience developing experimental hardware and laboratory instrumentation
• Experience with microwave ion or optical clock systems
• Programming and data analysis experience relevant to laboratory automation and experimental control
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one‑year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

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.

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.