Chemistry in Star-Forming Regions

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government research agency in Pasadena seeks talented scientists for the NASA Postdoctoral Program, offering unique research opportunities in space science and cosmochemistry. Candidates must hold a Doctoral Degree and be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. The role involves modeling the chemistry of protostellar disks and participating in cutting-edge research projects. Eligible applications include those from designated foreign nationals under specific visa categories.

Qualifications

• Eligibility requires a Doctoral Degree.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency is essential.
• Applications from Designated Countries are not accepted unless resident in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Engage in NASA research projects.
• Model the chemistry of gas and ices in protostellar disks.
• Conduct research related to astrobiology and cosmochemistry.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0040-NPP-NOV26-JPL-Cosmochem

Application Deadline

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

Description

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.

Molecules are important tracers, not only of chemical composition but also physical conditions. In addition, they regulate the heating and cooling of gas, and control its ionization balance. They therefore play a crucial role in the star formation process, and in the evolution of protostellar disks.

Theoretical astrochemistry at JPL uses sophisticated chemical networks to model the chemistry of gas and ices in protostellar disks and molecular cloud cores. The emphasis is on the observational signatures of the different stages of evolution, and on the development of complex organic or pre‑biotic chemistry. There are close interactions with both the hydrodynamical modeling group and with observers at the lab.

Refs: Woods, P. & Willacy, K. (2007) Benzene formation in the inner regions of protostellar disks, ApJ, 655 L49; Willacy, K. (2007) Chemistry of multiply deuterated molecules in protoplanetary disks I. The outer disk, ApJ, 660, 441

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Cosmochemistry

Advisors

Karen Willacy
[e-mail]
818-354-3467

Eligibility

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 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 a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.