Atomic Clocks and Quantum Sensors

About the role

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.

Research Focus

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:

• micro atomic clocks
• optical clocks with neutral atoms and trapped ions
• atom interferometer sensors
• photonic quantum sensors

Opportunities

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

Eligibility

This opportunity is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status;
• 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.

Application Requirements

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

Application Instructions

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements.

Contact Information

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

Contact Person

Point of Contact: Mikeala