Computational modeling of biological systems for spaceflight applications

ORAU; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU offers a postdoctoral position in California focused on developing computational tools for biological systems related to spaceflight applications. Candidates should have a PhD completed within the last five years and proficiency in modeling and experimental methods. The program provides unique research opportunities aimed at advancing NASA's missions. Interested applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible foreign nationals.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in relevant modeling tools and laboratory experimental methods.
• Interest in learning new methods with foundational knowledge.
• PhD in a relevant field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced computational tools for biological systems.
• Conduct experimental validation in the laboratory.

Skills

Modeling tools proficiency

Laboratory experimental methods

Interest in learning new methods

Education

PhD completed within the last five years

Job 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.

Project Description

On Earth, humans depend on other organisms to provide us with clean air, water, food, drugs, fuels, and building materials. To sustain long‑duration space missions, plant and microbial systems must perform these functions. This postdoctoral project focuses on developing advanced computational tools to facilitate the development of biological systems for spaceflight applications and conducting experimental validation in the laboratory. The work will be co‑mentored by researchers from the Space Biosciences Research Branch and the Intelligent Systems Division. Proposals should describe an independent project that includes both modeling and experimental components; examples of biological systems for study include microbial bioproduction, bioregenerative life support systems, or crop plants.

Qualifications

• Proficiency both in the relevant modeling tools and experience in the appropriate laboratory experimental methods to carry out the proposed work.
• An interest in learning new methods (in either modeling or experimentation) is welcomed as long as the candidate has appropriate foundational knowledge.
• PhD completed within the last five years is strongly preferred.

Eligibility

• 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 pending.

Contact

Jessica Lee
[e-mail]
(650) 604‑1151

John Lawson
[e-mail]
(650) 604‑6189

Sergio Santa Maria
[e-mail]
(650) 604‑1411