Astrophysics: X-Ray Astronomy

ORAU; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace research institution seeks candidates for its Postdoctoral Program in Huntsville, Alabama. This fellowship offers unique opportunities in X-ray astronomy and high-energy astrophysics research. Candidates will investigate cosmic X-ray polarization phenomena tied to significant astrophysical objects. Applicants must have a Doctoral Degree and meet specific eligibility criteria. The competitive fellowship duration is between one to three years and is designed to further the institution's missions in various scientific fields.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required for application.

Responsibilities

• Conduct observational or theoretical research in X-ray astronomy and high-energy astrophysics.
• Study X-ray polarization from cosmic sources including active galaxies and pulsar wind nebulae.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0005-NPP-NOV26-MSFC-Astrophys

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org). A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

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

Description

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

The X-ray Astronomy Team invites applications to perform observational or theoretical research in X-ray astronomy and high-energy astrophysics. Of particular interest are studies of X-ray polarization from cosmic sources—active galaxies, supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, and accreting neutron stars and black holes. The Team leads the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), a NASA‑ASI mission launched in December 2021. In addition, the Team coordinates US archiving of data from the ART‑XC instrument aboard Spectrum Rontgen Gamma, provides project science for the Chandra X‑ray Observatory, and supports studies for future X‑ray missions.

Location

Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

• Steven R. Ehlert – [e-mail] – 256-961-7765
• Jessica Gaskin – [e-mail] – 256-961-7818

Eligibility

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. 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

Eligibility Requirements

Degree: Doctoral Degree.

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

Point of Contact: Mikeala