Experimental Investigations in Cosmology and Astrophysics

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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in experimental investigations in cosmology and astrophysics under Prof. Bock’s guidance.
• Conduct measurements of CMB polarization with BICEP Array, focusing on searching for a characteristic B-mode polarization signal from inflation.
• Develop focal plane arrays and new detector technologies for the CMB Stage 4 project at the JPL Micro Devices Laboratory.
• Contribute to the analysis of SPHEREx satellite flight data, including constraints on inflationary non-Gaussianity and assessments of the extra-galactic background light.
• Conduct mm-wave observations using the TIME line mapping instrument to measure the clustering amplitude of CO and C+ emission lines from high redshifts.

Requirements

• A Doctoral Degree.
• Citizenship: 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 a valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status.

Qualifications

• Strong research background in cosmology and astrophysics.
• Experience with CMB measurements and detector development.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in space science and related fields.

Skills

• Proficiency in CMB polarization measurements.
• Knowledge of detector technology and development.
• Experience with mm-wave observations and line mapping instruments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

• One- to three-year fellowship.
• Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research at NASA Centers.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Pay

• Salary range based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

• Full-time position.