Subsystems development for the Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolutio[...]

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is offering postdoctoral research opportunities with NASA in Pasadena, California. The NASA Postdoctoral Program seeks highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing research projects. Candidates will work on the ASTHROS terahertz telescope project, assisting in various technical phases such as design, integration, and testing. A Doctoral Degree is required, and applicants should possess relevant skills in RF electronics and instrument integration. The position involves collaboration in a dynamic team focusing on astrophysics research.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have experience in RF control electronics and software.
• Knowledge in characterizing high-frequency components is preferred.
• Experience with integration and testing of terahertz instruments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, fabrication, integration and flight preparation for the ASTHROS project.
• Work in a dynamic team environment to meet tight schedules.
• Participate in laboratory characterization and testing of components.

Skills

RF control electronics & software

Integration of high-frequency components

Mechanical and thermal design knowledge

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0197-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Astrophys

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly‑talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA‑affiliated research institute. These one‑to‑three year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

The Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter‑wavelengths, ASTHROS, is a 2.5‑m balloon‑borne observatory featuring cryogenic superconducting heterodyne array spectrometers that will make the first detailed spectrally resolved high spatial resolution 3D map of ionized gas in Galactic and extra‑galactic star‑forming regions via simultaneous observations of the 2.46 THz, 1.46 THz fine‑structure lines of ionized nitrogen. A 21‑day Antarctic flight in 2023 will focus on mapping Galactic and extragalactic star‑forming regions. ASTHROS goal is to understand how different stellar feedback mechanisms affect ionized gas over a wide range of spatial scales in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

We are seeking postdoctoral researchers to assist in all phases of the design, fabrication, integration and test (I&T) and flight preparation of the different components and systems of the ASTHROS terahertz radio‑telescope. Candidates who can work well in a very dynamic team of scientists and engineers, under a tight schedule, and with experience or interest in one or more of the following areas are preferred:

• (i) RF control electronics & software (instrument computers and software, data transmission protocols), FPGAs, DC‑DC converters, etc.) to develop custom compact Command & Data Handling (C&D) systems tailored to terahertz systems able to power and control the different subsystems, analog and digital, as well as acquiring both science and housekeeping data.
• (ii) Integration and laboratory characterization of high‑frequency (terahertz) components and subsystems such as local oscillators (frequency‑multiplied Schottky diode based sources) and mixers (cryogenically‑cooled Hot Electron Bolometer mixers).
• (iii) I&T of sub‑millimeter‑wave/terahertz instruments and/or balloon‑borne instruments/telescopes.
• (iv) Mechanical and thermal design knowledge.

References

[1] J. V. Siles, “Exploring the Universe: From Antarctica to the Stars,” as part of the JPL Von Karman Lecture Series “The World of Scientific Balloons,” Feb. 2019. Available online at: https://youtu.be/18zr9sMuhIk and aired on NASA TV.

[2] T. Pillips et al., Submillimeter astronomy (heterodyne spectroscopy), Proc. of the IEEE, Nov. 1992.

[3] P.H. Siegel, “THz Technology,” IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory and Techniques 50th Anniversary Issue, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 910‑928, March 2002. Special Invited paper.

[4] Jose V. Siles, et al., “A New Generation of Room‑Temperature Broadband Frequency Multiplied LO Sources with 10 times Higher Output Power in the 160 GHz – 1.6 THz Range,” IEEE Transactions on Space Terahertz Technology, in press, November 2018.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Jose V. Siles
[e-mail]
818‑354‑4006

Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible under the following categories:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status;
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms pending.

Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Questions

Please email [e-mail]