Instrumentation Antenna-coupled TES arrays

Instrumentation Opportunity for Antenna-coupled TES arrays

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0076-NPP-MAR
26-JPL-Tech Dev

How To Apply: All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application includes a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and an official doctoral transcript.

Final date to receive applications: 3/1/2026 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.

The group’s research focus: Our research is mainly instrumentation development for astrophysics and cosmology applications. We are actively developing arrays of antenna-coupled TES (transition edge sensor) detectors and instruments for studying the polarization of cosmic microwave background radiation. The C measurements provide compelling evidence for a period of exponential inflationary expansion in the early universe. Rapid advances in detector technology have made upcoming instruments capable of detecting the faint polarization signals produced by inflationary gravitational waves.

Responsibilities:

• Play a leading role in the development of the millimeter polarimeter using large TES arrays.
• Integrate and optimize the recently built cryostat that was assembled with a pulse-tube cooling system.
• Field the complete receiver at the South Pole as part of the Keck experiment.
• Perform cryogenic system, electrical, and optical characterization of the TES arrays.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree.
• Experience in cryogenic systems and/or electrical and optical characterization of TES arrays.

Location: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science: Technology Development

Advisors: Hien Trong Nguyen (email: hien.t.nguyena.gov, phone: 818‑354‑0560)

Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status, or applicants for LPR/asylees/refugees in the U.S. with valid EAD, I‑485, or I‑589 listings.

Contact: Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp.