Exobiology: AI/ML Resource Development and In-situ Life Detection

ORAU; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) focusing on AI and machine learning applications in astrobiology. This role involves developing community resources, coordinating research efforts, and contributing to studies on biomarkers for Mars exploration.

The ideal candidate will possess a doctoral degree in relevant fields and will work closely with mentors at NASA Ames to support vital research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in Astrobiology, Life Sciences, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of an online community resource for AI/ML research.
• Coordinate across NASA’s data ecosystem and create collaborations.
• Contribute to studies of biomarkers and instrumentation techniques.
• Participate in project design and support cross-cutting efforts.

Education

Doctoral Degree in relevant field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0116-NPP-NOV26-ARC-Astrobio

Application Deadline

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

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP). The 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.

Research component: The effort to understand life in the universe confronts the most complex phenomenon known; exhibiting hierarchical and varied spatial-temporal properties and intricate historical dependencies linked to environments, chemical pathways, and feedback mechanisms. The tools of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) may be uniquely suited to addressing elements of this challenge, especially through application in life detection strategies. We seek an NPMP postdoctoral researcher to work across programmatic and technical projects in these areas. The successful candidate will work with their mentors to drive the development of an online community resource hosted at NASA Ames that provides extensive support and guidance for AI/ML research in astrobiology.

This will require excellent skills in coordinating across NASA’s data ecosystem, liaising with program officers, creating collaborations, and seeking innovative approaches to address the future AI/ML needs of astrobiology and NASA’s science programs.

The research component of this NPMP opportunity will contribute to ongoing studies of biomarkers such as lipids and novel techniques in instrumentation applied to concept development work for Mars and broader solar system exploration science. Applicants will have the opportunity to participate in the design and proposal of projects and to work in collaboration to support cross‑cutting efforts in astrobiology at NASA Ames.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Drive the development of an online community resource hosted at NASA Ames that provides extensive support and guidance for AI/ML research in astrobiology.
• Coordinate across NASA’s data ecosystem, liaise with program officers, create collaborations, and seek innovative approaches to address future AI/ML needs.
• Contribute to ongoing studies of biomarkers such as lipids and novel instrumentation techniques applied to concept development work for Mars and broader solar system exploration science.
• Participate in design and proposal of projects and support cross‑cutting efforts in astrobiology at NASA Ames.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Astrobiology, Life Sciences, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline).

Eligibility

The opportunity is 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.

Advisors

• Caleb Scharf (650) 604‑3668 - [e-mail]

Contact

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