Astrophysics: Galactic Outflows and the Circumgalactic Medium

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A competitive research fellowship program seeks talented scientists to engage in NASA research projects. Candidates will conduct observational studies and analyze data related to circumgalactic gas and galactic evolution. A doctoral degree is required, and eligibility is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and selected foreign nationals. This role is based at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and offers exciting opportunities for research in the field of astrophysics.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field of astrophysics or related scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

• Conduct observational studies of starburst or AGN outflows.
• Analyze data from X-ray instruments like XRISM.
• Develop new data analysis techniques for galactic studies.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0223-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrophys

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

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 designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description

The balance of infall and outflow of circumgalactic gas determines the long‑term evolution of a galaxy, so understanding how gas gets into and out of galaxies is essential to understanding our cosmic origins. This research program includes multiwavelength observational studies of starburst or AGN outflows, absorption and emission studies of the circumgalactic medium around the Milky Way and other galaxies, and studies of circumgalactic dust using ultraviolet and infrared data. The use of X‑rays to characterize hot outflows and the hot circumgalactic medium is especially important, and this program may encompass analysis of data from the JAXA/NASA X‑ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) and preparation for the planned ESA/NASA Athena X‑IFU and proposed Arcus X‑ray spectrometers. Theoretical inquiry and development of new data analysis techniques focused on circumgalactic gas and dust or galactic outflows are also encouraged.

Location: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science: Astrophysics

Advisors

• Edmund Hodges‑Kluck – [e-mail] (301) 286‑3665
• Andy Ptak – [e-mail] (301) 286‑1154

Eligibility is currently open to:

• 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
• Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree