Atomic Clocks and Quantum Sensors

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0025-NPP-NOV26-JPL-TechDev

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents
  
  

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description:

Developing new enabling technologies that can be used in space for fundamental and applied sciences is the primary focus of our research efforts. Research activities range from basic concept studies, proof-of-principle demonstrations in the laboratory, and instrument implementation.

We develop atomic frequency standards, clocks, and related quantum sensor technologies for precision measurements in space. Strong technological synergy exists between clocks and sensors; both of them are related to precision frequency, phase, and time measurements. An example is the cold atom clock and atom interferometry sensors. Current research areas include 1) micro atomic clocks, 2) optical clocks with neutral atoms and trapped ions, 3) atom interferometer sensors, and 4) photonic quantum sensors. Opportunities also exist in formulating and conducting space fundamental physics research using the precision measurement methods and tools.

For more information and a list of our publications, please visit http://technology.jpl.nasa.gov/people/n_yu/, http://quantum.jpl.nasa.gov, and https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/quantum-sciences-and-technology-laboratories

Location:

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Pasadena, California

Field of Science:Technology Development

Advisors:

Nan Yu

Nan.Yu@jpl.nasa.gov

818-354-4093

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status
  
  

This opportunity may require the following: 1- Mandatory drug testing; 2-Random drug testing; 3- Testing prior to initiation of fellowship appointment.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.