NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Cold Atom Interferometry and Optical Clocks4/14

About the role

The Quantum Engineering and Sensor Technology (QuEST) Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD is seeking Quantum Engineers to contribute to the advancement of quantum sensing technologies for Earth science and space applications. This opportunity involves building NASA Goddard's first cold atom interferometry laboratory and an ultra-precise Sr+ optical atomic clock.

Responsibilities

• Design and build a 3D magneto-optical trap (MOT) and light pulse interferometer at the Goddard campus in Greenbelt, MD
• Work on cold atom-based gravimeters and gravity gradiometers for precision gravity measurements
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners to develop and test one of the world's largest and most sensitive cold atom gravity gradiometers
• Participate in the development of an ultra-precise Sr+ optical atomic clock
• Engage in fundamental physics experiments such as gravitational wave detection and dark energy/dark matter searches

Requirements

Applicants should have experience in:

• Laser trapping and cooling of neutral atoms or ions
• Atomic Molecular and Optical (AMO) physics theory and experiment
• Quantum information sciences
• Generation and characterization of laser frequency combs
• Optical external reference cavities
• Radio frequency and optical metrology
• Trapped ions

Qualifications

A completed doctoral degree in relevant field is required.

Skills

Strong background in physics, engineering, and related fields.

Benefits

Unique research opportunities at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, competitive salary, and benefits package.

Pay

Salary range: $70,000 - $100,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Full-time position, one to three years duration.