Subsystems development for the Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths

About the role

The Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths, ASTHROS, is a 2.5-m balloon-borne observatory featuring cryogenic superconducting heterodyne array spectrometers that will make the first detailed spectrally resolved high spatial resolution 3D map of ionized gas in Galactic and extra-galactic star forming regions via simultaneous observations of the 2.46 THz 1.46 THz fine structure lines of ionized nitrogen. A 21-day Antarctic flight in 2023 will focus on mapping Galactic and extragalactic star forming regions. ASTHROS goal is to understand how different stellar feedback mechanisms affect ionized gas over a wide range of spatial scales in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all phases of the design, fabrication, I&T and flight preparation of the different components and systems of the ASTHROS terahertz radio-telescope.
• Work well in a very dynamic team of scientists and engineers, under a tight schedule.
• Experience/Interested in one or more of the following areas:
• RF control electronics & software (instrument computers and software, data transmission protocols), FPGAs, DC-DC converters, etc) to develop custom compact Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems tailored to terahertz systems able to power and control the different subsystems, analog and digital, as well as acquiring both science and housekeeping data.
• Integration and laboratory characterization of high-frequency (terahertz) components and subsystems such local oscillators (frequency multiplied Schottky diode based sources) and mixers (cryogenically-cooled Hot Electron Bolometer mixers).
• I&T of submillimeter-wave/terahertz instruments and/or balloon-borne instruments/telescopes.
• Mechanical and thermal design knowledge.

Requirements

• Doctoral Degree.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: 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.

Skills

• RF control electronics & software (instrument computers and software, data transmission protocols), FPGAs, DC-DC converters, etc) to develop custom compact Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems tailored to terahertz systems able to power and control the different subsystems, analog and digital, as well as acquiring both science and housekeeping data.
• Integration and laboratory characterization of high-frequency (terahertz) components and subsystems such local oscillators (frequency multiplied Schottky diode based sources) and mixers (cryogenically-cooled Hot Electron Bolometer mixers).
• I&T of submillimeter-wave/terahertz instruments and/or balloon-borne instruments/telescopes.
• Mechanical and thermal design knowledge.

Benefits

• One- to three-year fellowship.
• Unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists engaging in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute.

Pay

• Competitive salary.

Schedule

• Flexible working hours.

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Mikeala
Email: npp@orau.org