Postdoc: Quantum Gases, Matter-Wave Interferometry, and Cold Atom Systems

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 is looking for a postdoc who will focus on quantum gases, matter-wave interferometry, and cold atom technologies. The selected candidate will conduct experimental and theoretical research supporting the development of advanced quantum sensing and atom interferometry systems, including work associated with the Cold Atom Lab (CAL) instrument and Optical Dipole Trap (ODT) technologies.

The position involves research in ultra-cold quantum gases, Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs), atom interferometry, and precision quantum measurement techniques relevant to future space-based quantum science missions. The appointee will contribute to both laboratory and flight-related investigations, including modeling and analysis of data from ground and on-orbit experiments.

Research activities include experimental development of optical, vacuum, and control systems; support for engineering model testbeds and ground testbed activities; development of laser optical systems for CAL technology maturation; and theoretical modeling efforts related to cavity atom interferometry and quantum sensing in microgravity environments.

Responsibilities:

• Perform experimental and theoretical research supporting Optical Dipole Trap (ODT) systems
• Model and analyze data from ground and flight experiments associated with the Cold Atom Lab (CAL)
• Support Engineering Model Test Bed and Ground Testbed activities
• Contribute to the design and development of laser optical systems for cold atom technologies
• Develop and investigate advanced matter-wave interferometry techniques
• Conduct research involving ultra-cold quantum gases and Bose–Einstein condensates
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across JPL and partner institutions

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Science, Atomic Physics, or a related field
• Experimental experience with ultra-cold atoms, Bose–Einstein condensates, or atom interferometry
• Experience with advanced vacuum, laser, optical, and control systems
• Strong background in quantum optics, atomic physics, or precision measurement techniques
• Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with quantum gases in microgravity environments
• Familiarity with cavity atom interferometry or quantum sensing applications
• Experience developing experimental hardware and laboratory instrumentation
• Strong computational, modeling, and data analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc 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, 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.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

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.