Materials and Process Development Ultraviolet Detector Technologies

Materials and Process Development for Ultraviolet Detector Technologies

Step into a postdoctoral role focused on developing new ultraviolet (UV) detector technologies and optical components for NASA missions. This fellowship will be based at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and supports cutting‑edge research in nanostructured materials, thin‑film processing, and wafer‑scale fabrication.

This project involves the development of new technologies for ultraviolet (UV) instrumentation and systems. Successful candidates will utilize thin‑film processing and nanoscale interface engineering methods to fabricate advanced detector technologies and optical components. Research within the UV detector technology team has largely focused on the use of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for band‑structure engineering and passivation of silicon‑based photodetectors as well as atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes to engineer new coatings for advanced optics or detectors, including customization of detector response over a broad wavelength range.

The performance objectives for our technologies align with NASA research programs and aim toward flight‑instrument and mission infusion.

During your NPP tenure the fellow will be expected to report research/technology developments through publication of first‑author manuscripts, conference presentations and proceedings, and internal team meetings and seminars.

• Develop and evaluate MBE and ALD processes to improve detector performance and capabilities.
• Engineer new coatings and interface structures for advanced optics or detectors.
• Fabricate and characterize silicon‑based photodetectors and related nanostructures.
• Prepare research reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and internal briefings.

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in thin‑film deposition (MBE, ALD, or similar) and nanoscale interface engineering.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills for semiconductor device fabrication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Optional: prior experience with space‑grade detector technologies.

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

March 1, 2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

All applications must be submitted via the NASA Postdoctoral Program portal. Complete application requirements include:

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

See NASA Postdoctoral Program:

How to Apply

for detailed instructions.

Questions? Please email npp or contact April Jewell (JPL) at april.d.jewella.gov
, (818) 354‑3474.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109