Atomic Clocks and Quantum Sensors

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities for highly talented scientists to engage in NASA research projects at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Headquarters, or NASA‑affiliated institutes. Fellowships are one‑to‑three years, designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

• Develop new enabling technologies for use in space, focusing on atomic frequency standards, clocks, and quantum sensor technologies for precision measurements.
• Conduct research activities ranging from basic concept studies, proof‑of‑principle demonstrations in the laboratory, and instrument implementation.
• Work on specific research areas including micro atomic clocks, optical clocks with neutral atoms and trapped ions, atom interferometer sensors, and photonic quantum sensors.
• Formulate and conduct space fundamental physics research using precision measurement methods and tools.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Technology Development

Nan Yu (Nan.Yua.gov, )

• Doctoral Degree.

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa; and
• 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 with citizens from designated countries will not be accepted at this time unless they are legal permanent residents of the United States. Mandatory drug testing, random drug testing, and testing prior to initiation of the fellowship appointment will be required.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp.