Postdoc Position open: Fiber-Optic Sensing for the Moon
Zhan, Zhongwen
Postdoctoral Scholar: Fiber-Optic Sensing for the Moon
Location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
Project: Join a Caltech & JPL team (PI: Professor Zhongwen Zhan) to design, build, and validate a miniaturized Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system for the lunar environment.
Key responsibilities
● Architect and prototype a low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) DAS system.
● Develop calibration and processing pipelines for stable, low-noise operation.
● Plan and run environmental tests (thermal/vacuum, vibration) and analogue field trials.
● Work with partners on components, and with the lunar science team on requirements.
● Support the engineering development team to advance prototype toward flight-readiness.
● Document designs; publish results; support data releases.
Qualifications
● PhD in EE/Physics/Optics or related field.
● Demonstrated, hands-on experience on DAS, φ-OTDR/OFDR, or other distributed sensing techniques, from design to lab/field validation.
● Strong DSP/algorithms and real-time control; proficiency in Python/Matlab.
● Experience integrating optics with electronics and firmware.
● Track record of publications in fiber-optic sensing or related areas.
Appointment details
Full-time postdoctoral appointment for two years with an annual stipend of $76,000.
Materials
(1) CV, (2) 1-page cover letter describing relevant experiences, expertise, and interests, (3) representative publications, and (4) contact info for 3 references. Application and questions should be addressed to
America De La Cruz-Ramirez (adel...@caltech.edu). Application submitted before Nov 1st will
receive full consideration, and the job will stay open until filled.
Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
--
Zhongwen Zhan
Professor of Geophysics
Director, Seismological Laboratory
California Institute of Technology