Postdoc: Chip-Scale Photonics for Space Telescope Metrology Lasers

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research and development on integrated photonic-electronic-quantum systems for laser metrology in future large space telescopes, as well as high-speed and secure space communications, sensing, power transfer, and similar missions. Research areas include chip-scale stable laser systems using MEMS and nanophotonic technologies; silicon nitride on-chip etalons and waveguides; lithium niobate modulators and waveguides; heterogeneous integration and packaging of photonic microdevices; on-chip precision atomic and molecular spectroscopy; chip-scale atomic and molecular vapor cells; and photonic integration and packaging interfaces. The work may also involve supporting DC, RF, and microwave electronics and optoelectronics using semiconductor technologies such as GaN, GaAs, InGaAs, InP, AlN, and diamond, potentially integrated with stable laser systems.

The appointee will conduct research in collaboration with a JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature. Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are awarded for at least one year and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Applicants may be subject to additional NASA program requirements. Candidates are asked to submit a CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter describing research accomplishments and interests.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a field relevant to the described technology areas.
• Familiarity with a few or more of the listed analytical and experimental tools and processes, including lithography, deposition, etching, materials processing, microscopy, design software, optical and RF/DC instrumentation, spectroscopy, characterization, semiconductor design, or chip bonding and packaging.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with UV/e-beam lithography or UV imprint.
• Experience with thermal/e-beam evaporation, vapor deposition, reactive ion/ICP etching, dry/wet etching, annealing, or poling.
• Experience with SEM or AFM.
• Experience with nanophotonic design software, COMSOL, Ansys, Cadence/Siemens RF/microwave EDA, or Zemax.
• Experience using an optical spectrum analyzer, fiber splicer, or RF/DC instruments.
• Experience with laser spectroscopy, Fabry-Perot cavity/delay-line characterization, or on-chip waveguide characterization.
• Experience with thermal-mechanical stress analysis, RF/microwave load-pull, monolithic-microwave IC design, analog-digital hybrid IC design, or chip-bonding and packaging physics and chemistry processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in chip-scale stable laser systems using MEMS and nanophotonic technologies.
• Work on supporting DC, RF, and microwave electronics and optoelectronics, including semiconductor technologies that may be heterogeneously integrated with stable laser systems.
• Develop integrated photonic-electronic-quantum systems for space telescope laser metrology, space communications, sensing, power transfer, and similar missions.
• Carry out research in collaboration with a JPL advisor and publish results in the open literature.

Benefits

• Health plans
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Wellbeing plans
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Learning
• Rideshare
• Childcare
• Flexible schedule
• Parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree