Postdoc: Ultraviolet Optical Coatings and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) - 2
About The Position
JPL is seeking a postdoc that will lead research on the growth, characterization, and optimization of high-density, conformal metal fluoride coatings. The work includes investigating ALD growth behaviors, improving process stability, and developing scalable approaches that bridge laboratory research and potential industrial-scale implementation for flight hardware. This research aims to evolve current anti-reflection coatings into complex, multilayer UV optical systems by addressing key challenges such as coating durability, interfacial chemistry, and long-term stability. The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to developing innovative approaches to thin-film deposition and surface analysis, supporting high-impact publications and advancing JPL’s leadership in astrophysics instrumentation. The appointee will collaborate with JPL scientists and engineers and contribute to ongoing, fully funded research efforts supporting NASA ROSES projects and future mission concepts. The work is research-focused and designed to expand JPL’s scientific capabilities, independent of project-critical deliverables.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or a related field
- Expertise in thin-film deposition techniques, particularly Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
- Experience with vacuum-based systems and thin-film characterization methods
- Strong background in experimental design and data analysis
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research in ALD-based thin-film growth for UV optical coatings
- Develop and optimize multilayer coating architectures for stability and performance
- Investigate in situ surface chemistry and interfacial processes impacting coating behavior
- Support development of scalable and repeatable coating processes
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across JPL
Benefits
- health
- dental
- vision
- wellbeing
- retirement plans
- paid time off
- learning
- rideshare
- childcare
- flexible schedule
- parental leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
