Optics: Advanced X-Ray Optics

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

The goal of this work is to explore promising avenues for achieving higher angular resolution, support mission and telescope design (ray tracing, optical assembly design, etc.), and X-ray calibration and testing (including metrology). This work will entail an analysis of factors limiting mirrors made with existing technologies and investigations of modified or new approaches that will enable high-throughput, very lightweight, meter-class optics with arc-second or better angular resolution.

Requirements

• A Doctoral Degree
• U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status, or 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

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated expertise in X-ray optics, experience with optical design and fabrication, and a strong background in astrophysics or related fields.

Skills

Strong analytical skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and proficiency in relevant software tools are essential.

Benefits

The NPP offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and relocation assistance.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule to accommodate research needs.

Contact Information

For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.