Sensitivity Far-IR Detectors

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0163-NPP-NOV
26-JPL-Astrophys

We are seeking one or more postdoctoral researchers with hands‑on experience in low‑temperature superconducting devices and far‑IR to millimeter‑wave instrumentation to join our team developing the world’s most sensitive far‑infrared detectors. The successful candidate(s) will work on detector arrays that provide background‑limited performance in a dispersive spectrometer on a cryogenic space telescope, targeting a per‑pixel noise equivalent power of 10‑19 W/√Hz or lower.

Building on transition‑edge‑sensed (TES) bolometers, kinetic‑inductance detectors (KIDs), and quantum‑capacitance detectors (QCDs), the work will focus on low‑NEP detector system demonstration and may involve further collaboration on ground‑based and balloon‑borne instruments such as Super Spec, TIME, and TIM.

• Design, fabricate and characterize TES bolometers, KIDs, and QCDs using a sub‑100 mK dilution‑cooled cryostat.
• Implement frequency‑domain readout techniques and collaborate with U.S. and international partners.
• Collaborate on ongoing and proposed ground‑based and balloon‑borne experiments targeting the early Universe.
• Travel as required and interface with scientists and engineers across JPL.

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

Designated Countries Exception: 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Advisors:
Matt Bradford (matt.bradforda.gov)

Point of Contact:
Mikeala
Phone:
Email: npp

Final date to receive applications: 11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone