Astrophysics: Instrumentation for High-Contrast Imaging

About the role

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) seeks to directly image and characterize Earth-like exoplanets orbiting nearby Sun-like stars, requiring optical instrumentation capable of suppressing starlight by up to ten orders of magnitude at visible wavelengths. This project involves developing a range of direct imaging technologies, including coronagraphs, deformable mirrors, integral field spectroscopy, photon-counting detectors, wavefront sensing & control, and image post-processing algorithms.

Responsibilities

As a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Engage in cutting-edge research projects related to direct imaging technologies for exoplanet detection and characterization.
• Contribute to the development and testing of advanced optical instrumentation in the Exoplanet Spectroscopy Technologies (ExoSpec) in-air testbed.
• Collaborate with a team of advisors and other researchers at Goddard Space Flight Center.
• Write and submit research proposals for funding opportunities.
• Prepare and present research findings at scientific conferences and workshops.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Have completed a Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), Foreign National eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status, or an applicant for LPR, asylee, or refugee in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status.
• Submit a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcript documents.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong background in astrophysics, optics, or related fields.
• Experience with direct imaging techniques and instrumentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Preferred skills include:

• Expertise in wavefront sensing and control.
• Knowledge of integral field spectroscopy.
• Experience with photon-counting detectors.
• Proficiency in image post-processing algorithms.

Benefits

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers:

• One to three years of research support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Access to a wide range of professional development resources.

Pay

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is full-time.