JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questio... more details
Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We 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.
JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges. The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.
JPL’s Microdevices Laboratory (MDL) has been involved at the forefront of superconducting materials research for many decades. It continues still, with an immense range of applications to NASA science and technology.
The Superconducting Materials & Devices group is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team for a postdoc position focusing on superconducting thin films and devices, with a specific emphasis on Magnesium diboride (MgB2). This research holds tremendous promise for various applications in future NASA science instruments. MgB2, known for its critical temperature of 39 K, exhibits superior performance characteristics compared to other superconducting materials. The uniqueness of MgB2 lies in its dual superconducting gaps, responsible for the high critical temperature observed in the superconducting material.
The primary objective of this position is to investigate the temperature-dependent gap energies of both gaps and the inter-band scattering coefficient, , in MgB2 films with varying levels of disorder. This involves the fabrication and measurement of superconducting microwave resonators operating at frequencies ranging from 1-330 GHz. The candidate will be actively involved in the design and assembly of a dedicated measurement testbed, which will be crucial for the successful execution of this research. The testbed, a sub-Kelvin cryostat with WR-3.4 waveguide coupling to the cold stage, represents a unique capability at JPL, reinforcing our world-leading status in the sub-mm wave measurement domain.
The outcomes of these measurements, which will be published in high-impact journals, are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of superconducting behavior in MgB2 thin films. Moreover, the findings will have practical implications, as they will inform the development of future detectors for NASA remote sensing instruments spanning the UV to the Far IR spectrum. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research with potential far-reaching implications in both scientific and technological domains.
Required Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field is required.
Expertise in sub-Kelvin radio frequency (RF) measurements spanning a broad spectrum from 1 GHz to 1 THz.
Strong background in conducting precise and intricate RF measurements at extremely low temperatures.
Working knowledge of micro- and nano-fabrication techniques used in the fabrication of devices is a key asset for this role.
Preferred Qualifications:
The successful applicant will join a dynamic research team and contribute to cutting-edge projects at the intersection of low-temperature physics, RF measurements, and superconducting device technology.
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 off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.
For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks
The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$82,180 - $82,180
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.
