Quantum Solid State Magnetometers and other Quantum Sensors (Silicon Carbide, NV Diamond)

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in Pasadena seeks a postdoctoral fellow to advance NASA's quantum sensing efforts. Responsibilities include maturing magnetometer systems and collaborating with the science community. A PhD in physics or related fields, along with experience in optics and quantum technologies, is required. The position offers mentorship opportunities and involvement in professional development events.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or closely related discipline with emphasis on experimental optics, magnetic resonance, and/or integrated photonics.
• Experience in operating VIS/NIR laser systems; confocal microscopy is a plus.
• Familiarity with wide-bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide or diamond NV-centers.

Responsibilities

• Mature existing optically pumped benchtop magnetometer system.
• Collaborate with the science community on mission design and performance assessment of quantum magnetometers.
• Mentor graduate students and/or summer students in magnetometer development.

Skills

Experimental optics

Magnetic resonance

Integrated photonics

Programming in LabView, Matlab, Python

Data analysis/visualization tools

Education

PhD in physics or closely related discipline

Tools

Electron paramagnetic spectrometers

VIS/NIR laser systems

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Organized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Program Overview

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers one‑to‑three year fellowships designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, and related fields. This postdoc will support NASA’s quantum sensing effort, building integral magnetometer systems using quantum centers in wide‑bandgap semiconductors.

Responsibilities

• Mature the existing optically pumped benchtop magnetometer system, integrating optics‑on‑a‑chip solutions.
• Collaborate with the science community to design missions and assess the performance of solid‑state quantum magnetometers.
• Mentor graduate students and/or summer students involved in magnetometer development.
• Participate in JPL training, lunch‑talks, and social events to foster professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or a closely related discipline with emphasis on experimental optics, magnetic resonance, and/or integrated photonics.
• Experience operating VIS/NIR laser excitation and detection systems; confocal microscopy experience is a plus.
• Experience operating or customizing electron paramagnetic spectrometers and in ODMR/EDMR.
• Familiarity with wide‑bandgap semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon carbide, diamond NV‑centers).
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications and presentations at major scientific conferences.
• Programming experience in science contexts (LabView, Matlab, Python, Arduino) and data analysis/visualization tools (Origin, IgorPro).

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral degree.
• U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), eligible exchange visitor J‑1 visa holders, and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with valid EAD card and/or pending I‑485 or I‑589.

Contact

Mikeala
[e-mail] (626) 319‑1014
[e-mail] (818) 354‑3054