Superconducting Detectors for CMB observations

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space research organization offers unique research opportunities through the NASA Postdoctoral Program. This fellowship aims to advance NASA's missions within astrophysics, including cutting-edge instrumentation development to study the Cosmic Microwave Background. Candidates will work at a competitive NASA Center and need to hold a Doctoral Degree. U.S. Citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa status is required. Join impactful scientific inquiries shaping our understanding of the universe.

Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing NASA research projects.
• Develop state-of-the-art instrumentation in cosmology.
• Work on large-format antenna-coupled TES bolometer arrays for BICEP Array.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0207-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

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. We are developing experimental approaches to fundamental questions in cosmology, specifically state‑of-the‑art instrumentation to study the Cosmic Microwave Background. Rapid advances in detector technology played a decisive role in the experimental progression of this science, from the discovery of the CMB to the exquisite temperature and polarization maps available today. We are currently developing large‑format antenna‑coupled TES bolometer arrays for BICEP Array that operates at the South Pole, and developing new approaches to both time‑domain and radio frequency‑domain multiplexing. We are also developing Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs), that combine the sensitivity and design flexibility of TES bolometers with the ease of readout of KIDs. All of these technologies will have opportunities to deploy in the BICEP‑Array. Last, we are beginning to explore horn‑coupled designs that will allow JPL to assist with DOE‑driven efforts but also help design the next generation satellite CMB mission.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Roger O'Brient

[e-mail]

626-773-0116

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Eligibility

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Additional Information

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, 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.