Research Scientist in the Department of Physics and the Integrated Space Science and Technology Institute (ISSTI)

The Department of Physics and the Integrated Space Science and Technology Institute (ISSTI) in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University, in partnership with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), invite applications for a Research Scientist position in integrated photonics, funded by a cooperative agreement between the two institutions. The appointment is a 12-month term position, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and the continued availability of external funding.

The successful applicant will join the AURORA (Atmospheric Ultra-High Resolution Optical and Radio-frequency) Pathfinder, a technology demonstration project funded by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). AURORA is developing a millimeter-wave hyperspectral radiometer and advancing it to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, with the goal of producing a flight-qualified instrument suitable for spacecraft integration in support of Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) observations. The instrument is a highly sensitive, heterodyne-based spectrometer built on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), incorporating electro-optical modulators, waveguide gratings, optical amplifiers, and photodetectors.

The Research Scientist will contribute to the end-to-end engineering lifecycle of the AURORA photonic system. Principal responsibilities include:

• Architectural design, layout, and component-level development of Photonic Integrated Circuits, supported by circuit, subsystem, and microwave-photonic modeling;
• Hardware validation spanning chip-level and module-level photonic testing, full photonic system characterization, and instrument-level integration of the photonic subsystem;
• Systems engineering, including defining system requirements, generating interface documents, and specifying parts and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for procurement;
• Laboratory operations, including maintaining and developing lab infrastructure with an emphasis on equipment automation;
• Documenting technical work, tracking project progress, and communicating outcomes through formal written reports and oral presentations.

The successful applicant will work primarily on site at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, which will provide the office and laboratory space needed for the project. The research is carried out with Dr. Mark Stephen (Project Development Lead, GSFC Climate and Radiation Laboratory) and Dr. Berhanu Bulcha (Instrument System Engineer, GSFC). The appointee will have opportunities to mentor or work with AU research students, to explore collaborations with other AU researchers, to present research seminars, and to participate in Department of Physics and ISSTI activities.

Applicants should preferably hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline. Applicants with a Master’s degree will also be considered.

The following experience is desirable:

• Design, layout, and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits;
• Electro-optical systems and components, including modulators, waveguide gratings, optical amplifiers, and photodetectors;
• Microwave photonics, and RF and analog circuit design;
• Photonic and electromagnetic design and simulation tools;
• Laboratory characterization of electro-optical systems, including experience with lasers, photodiodes, optical spectrum analyzers, RF signal analyzers, and oscilloscopes, and with test automation;
• Systems engineering practice, including requirements definition and interface documentation;
• Environmental and performance testing to qualify hardware for spaceflight, and experience advancing instrument technology readiness levels.

The position’s salary range is $75,000-$125,000, commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications. The position is contingent on the continued availability of external funding., AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

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