Astrophysics: High Angular Resolution in the Far-Infrared: Interferometry at Long Wavelengths

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is seeking a candidate for a role at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, focusing on astrophysics. The successful applicant will develop algorithms for interferometers and model data analysis. A Doctoral Degree is required, and experience with aperture synthesis and interferometric instrumentation is essential. Applications must be submitted through Zintellect by 11/1/2026. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree required.
• Experience with aperture synthesis algorithms.
• Familiarity with far-infrared astrophysics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate algorithms for spatial-spectral image synthesis.
• Model and analyze data from Michelson interferometers.
• Understand the formation and history of galaxies.

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0026-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrophys

Position Description

Far-infrared interferometers will enable us to learn how planetary systems form and how the conditions for habitability develop; to characterize the family of extrasolar planetary systems by imaging the structure in debris disks; and to understand the formation, merger history, and star formation history of galaxies. To pave the way for future space-based interferometers, we developed the Wide-field Imaging Interferometry Testbed (WIIT), a sub-scale model of a space-based far-IR interferometer. WIIT will remain dormant for two years while waiting for a Roman Space Telescope test program to complete, but it has already yielded valuable data. We are using WIIT to develop, demonstrate, and learn the practical limitations of wide-field spatial-spectral interferometry, a key technique for future space-based interferometers such as the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) and the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS). The technologies and techniques developed under this program will also have application to future exoplanet missions as well as NASA Earth and Planetary science missions. The successful candidate will have experience with aperture synthesis algorithms and interferometric instrumentation. Basic familiarity with far-infrared astrophysics will be helpful but is not essential. We are currently seeking candidates with experience modeling and analyzing data from Michelson interferometers. Specific topics of interest are: (1) development and validation of algorithms for spatial-spectral image synthesis and related analysis of WIIT data; and (2) development of analytical instrument performance models.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

David Leisawitz - [e-mail] - 301-286-0807

Eligibility Requirements

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

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: https://orau.org.

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]