ORAU
Superconducting Detectors for CMB observations
ORAU, Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Position: NASA Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detectors for CMB Observations
Location:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Program:
NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) – one- to three-year fellowship
Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code:
0207-NPP-MAR26-JPL-Astrophys
About the Project We are developing experimental approaches to fundamental questions in cosmology, specifically state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation to study the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).
The project focuses on large‑format antenna‑coupled TES bolometer arrays for BICEP Array, time‑domain and radio‑frequency‑domain multiplexing, Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs), and horn‑coupled designs for future satellite CMB missions.
Responsibilities
Design, fabricate, and characterize cryogenic detector arrays for CMB experiments.
Develop and implement cryogenic systems, electrical and optical characterization, and microwave/millimeter‑wave circuitry and antenna designs.
Assist the fabrication team in the MDL cleanroom by automating lithography and deposition systems and testing devices and materials.
Collaborate with JPL and DOE partners on prototype development and testing.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in astrophysics, physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
Experience with cryogenic systems and detector development.
Knowledge of microwave and millimeter‑wave circuit and antenna design.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Eligibility The program is open to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
Applications from individuals in Designated Countries are accepted only if they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.
Eligibility also includes foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa, and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. who possess a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.
How to Apply All applications must be submitted through the NASA Postdoctoral Program website.
A complete application includes a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and an official doctoral transcript.
Deadline: 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Contact Questions: npp@orau.org (Point of Contact: Mikeala)
References (Selected)
Wandui, A., Bock, J.,,..., O'Brient, R. “Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors for Millimeter‑Wave Astrophysics.” https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.08887, accepted for publication in Journal of Applied Physics (2020).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “Constraints on Primordial Gravitational Waves Using Planck, WMAP, and New BICEP2/Keck Observations through the 2015 Season.” Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 221301 (2018).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “New bounds on anisotropies of CMB polarization rotation and implications for axion‑like particles and primordial magnetic fields.” Phys. Rev. D 96, 102003 (2017).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “Measurement of Gravitational Lensing from Large‑scale B‑mode Polarization.” ApJ 833, 228 (2016).
BICEP2/Keck/SPIDER Collaborations: Ade, P.; Aiken, R.;..., O'Brient, R.; ... Yoon, K.W. “Antenna‑coupled TES bolometers for degree‑scale polarimeters used in BICEP2, Keck Array, and SPIDER.” ApJ 812, 176 (2015). Corresponding author.
BICEP2 Collaboration: Ade, P.; Aiken, R.;..., O'Brient, R.; ... Yoon, K.W. “Detection of B‑mode polarization at degree angular scales.” PRL 112, 241101 (2014).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Program:
NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) – one- to three-year fellowship
Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code:
0207-NPP-MAR26-JPL-Astrophys
About the Project We are developing experimental approaches to fundamental questions in cosmology, specifically state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation to study the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).
The project focuses on large‑format antenna‑coupled TES bolometer arrays for BICEP Array, time‑domain and radio‑frequency‑domain multiplexing, Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs), and horn‑coupled designs for future satellite CMB missions.
Responsibilities
Design, fabricate, and characterize cryogenic detector arrays for CMB experiments.
Develop and implement cryogenic systems, electrical and optical characterization, and microwave/millimeter‑wave circuitry and antenna designs.
Assist the fabrication team in the MDL cleanroom by automating lithography and deposition systems and testing devices and materials.
Collaborate with JPL and DOE partners on prototype development and testing.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in astrophysics, physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
Experience with cryogenic systems and detector development.
Knowledge of microwave and millimeter‑wave circuit and antenna design.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Eligibility The program is open to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
Applications from individuals in Designated Countries are accepted only if they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.
Eligibility also includes foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa, and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. who possess a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.
How to Apply All applications must be submitted through the NASA Postdoctoral Program website.
A complete application includes a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and an official doctoral transcript.
Deadline: 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Contact Questions: npp@orau.org (Point of Contact: Mikeala)
References (Selected)
Wandui, A., Bock, J.,,..., O'Brient, R. “Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors for Millimeter‑Wave Astrophysics.” https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.08887, accepted for publication in Journal of Applied Physics (2020).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “Constraints on Primordial Gravitational Waves Using Planck, WMAP, and New BICEP2/Keck Observations through the 2015 Season.” Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 221301 (2018).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “New bounds on anisotropies of CMB polarization rotation and implications for axion‑like particles and primordial magnetic fields.” Phys. Rev. D 96, 102003 (2017).
BICEP2/Keck Collaboration: Ade, P., Aiken, R.,..., O'Brient, R., ... Yoon, K.W. “Measurement of Gravitational Lensing from Large‑scale B‑mode Polarization.” ApJ 833, 228 (2016).
BICEP2/Keck/SPIDER Collaborations: Ade, P.; Aiken, R.;..., O'Brient, R.; ... Yoon, K.W. “Antenna‑coupled TES bolometers for degree‑scale polarimeters used in BICEP2, Keck Array, and SPIDER.” ApJ 812, 176 (2015). Corresponding author.
BICEP2 Collaboration: Ade, P.; Aiken, R.;..., O'Brient, R.; ... Yoon, K.W. “Detection of B‑mode polarization at degree angular scales.” PRL 112, 241101 (2014).
#J-18808-Ljbffr