Category: Positions

The Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a research astrophysicist with expertise in metrology, precision measurement, and/or instrumentation for gravitational wave detection to support NASA’s participation in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. Application Deadline: May 31st 2024.

This position is for a Research Astrophysicist (civil service scientist) Term Hire not to exceed 2 years with the option to extend to a maximum of 6 years, and the option to be made permanent without further competition.

LISA is a mission led by the European Space Agency to build and operate the first space-based observatory of gravitational waves with sensitivity in the millihertz band and a wide variety of applications in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. NASA’s contributions to LISA, which are being led by the Goddard Space Flight Center, include the delivery of critical instrument systems of telescopes and precision laser light sources.

The selected individual will work with the existing LISA team at Goddard, including scientists, engineers, project managers, and support staff to contribute to the successful delivery of the instrument systems. Duties will include designing and conducting verification and validation of instrument prototypes and flight models; contributing to system-level models of instrument performance; and interfacing with precision measurement scientists at ESA and other European partners. While support for LISA is the primary focus for this position, the employee will also have opportunities to propose self-directed research to study gravitational waves or other areas of astrophysics.

This will be a 2-step process. The first phase, through May 31, 2024, seeks declarations of interest in this position via a submitted letter of interest and other documents (see below). The second phase will be a USAJOBS posting, anticipated in June 2024. Those who respond during phase 1 will receive additional notification when the respective USAJOBS opportunity opens. Note that phase 1 is the ‘strongly encouraged’ phase and phase 2 is the ‘required’ phase.

The position will reside at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.

US citizenship is required at the time of the Phase 2/USAJOBS application. Those who are expecting U.S. citizenship by the time of the Phase 2 opportunity are encouraged to submit materials during Phase 1, even if they do not yet have their U.S. citizenship. A Ph.D. degree is preferred. This is an early to mid-career position that will be posted at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels.

Interested applicants should contact Diana Elben (diana.m.elben(at)nasa.gov) by 5/31/2024. Please use the subject line “2024 LISA Precision Measurement Scientist”. Inquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. John Baker at john.g.baker(at)nasa.gov. Additional application material will be required in Phase 2 via the USAJobs website; the USAJobs posting is anticipated sometime in June 2024.

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Louisiana State University is seeking outstanding candidates for the role of a Postdoctoral Researcher or Senior Postdoctoral Researcher for the theoretical modeling of superconducting qubit devices and hybrid quantum material systems with applications to quantum information science.

The postdoctoral researcher responsibilities will include conducting theoretical research on novel superconducting quantum information devices and material platforms, as well as numerical modeling of device data obtained from collaborations with experimental groups. Additionally, the researcher will assist in the mentoring graduate students, publish papers and present at conferences.

The Senior postdoctoral researcher responsibilities will also include leading theoretical research on novel superconducting quantum information devices and material platforms, as well as mentoring graduate students.

Minimum qualifications: (Both) Ph.D. in physics (Senior level) three years of related experience.

The position will be a part of the “Theory of Quantum Circuits & Materials“ group led by Professor Constantin Schrade. Applicants are encouraged to visit our group’s website (www.constantinschrade.com) for more information on our research focus and directions. For any inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Constantin Schrade directly at cschrade(at)lsu.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position is for up to two years, with a possibility to extending the contract further.

Additional Information:

The “Theory of Quantum Circuits & Materials“ at LSU is a newly established theoretical research group that works at the exciting intersection of superconducting quantum devices and quantum materials. As a senior member of the group, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to shape a welcoming group culture and you will significantly contribute to our overarching of goals developing new applications of quantum circuits and materials for quantum information applications. Moreover, you will also have the opportunity to acquire co-supervision experience for graduate students and other junior researchers.

Our group is part of the LSU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Hearne Institute of Theoretical Physics, which focuses on cutting-edge research across many domains relevant to quantum information and material science. Moreover, through the group of Professor Jim Sauls (Hearne Chair of Theoretical Physics), LSU’s Department of Physics & Astronomy is closely linked to the DOE’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center.

LSU is situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s vibrant capital, known for its rich cultural and culinary scene, mild winters, and proximity to the New Orleans metropolitan area.

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