JPL Postdoctoral Fellow - MBE Enabled UV Sensing Space Instrumentation

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus  ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus  ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus‑like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

This postdoctoral role focuses on advancing next‑generation ultraviolet detector technologies for future NASA missions. The position centers on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for materials growth, band‑structure engineering, and interface optimization to enable high‑performance, space‑ready photodetectors.

The researcher will design and refine wafer‑scale fabrication processes, develop new epitaxial passivation strategies, and perform materials and device characterization using techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, and photodetector performance testing. A key element of the work is establishing a tight feedback loop between detector behavior and fabrication process improvements.

This effort directly supports technology maturation and mission infusion across multiple NASA programs. The successful candidate will document progress through publications, presentations, and internal reports while contributing to the development of flight‑ready UV detector architectures.

• Background in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field, with a PhD completed or nearing completion.
• Strong background in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), epitaxial materials growth, or semiconductor process engineering.
• Proficiency in materials characterization methods such as ellipsometry, AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, or SIMS.
• Ability to interpret materials and device data and translate it into process improvements.

• Experience in the use and maintenance of laboratory hardware and instrumentation
• Hands‑on cleanroom fabrication experience, ideally at wafer scale, including lithography, deposition, etching, and related process tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time…