Experimental Investigations in Astrobiology

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); Sur place; USD 70 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

NASA invites highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to engage in ongoing NASA astrobiology projects, spanning fieldwork, lab work, and data modeling. The program welcomes applicants with doctoral degrees and strong communication skills to contribute to space science research.

Selected fellows may work at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or NASA-affiliated institutes, pursuing innovative investigations in astrobiology and related disciplines over 1–3 years.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in geochemistry, geobiology, astrobiology, biochemistry, astrochemistry or related field.
• Strong research record and capability to propose novel topics for a 2-year project.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to work independently and in teams.

Responsabilités

• Propose a well-defined science plan for a 2-year project with NASA scientists.
• Conduct field and/or laboratory experiments, data analysis, and modeling.
• Collaborate across disciplines and communicate findings effectively.

Connaissances

Lab skills

Field sampling

Data analysis

Modeling

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Independence

Formation

Doctoral degree

Outils

Laboratory equipment

Data analysis software

Description du poste

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0349-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrobio

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 relatively recent subject of Astrobiology - the study of the origin and prevalence of life in the universe - only formally launched in the late 1990s, is an exciting and rapidly growing field that offers many opportunities for new research and highly impactful science. Existing at the intersection of older and larger fields - geology, astronomy, biology and chemistry - astrobiology is a vibrant, multidisciplinary subject area that attracts researchers from many different academic backgrounds, and allows practitioners to also learn and engage in scientific practices ranging from lab work to field work, and from data science to modeling. This opportunity solicits highly motivated postdoctoral candidates (including final year PhDs) to propose novel and exciting research topics in collaboration with an established NASA scientist. Areas of particular interest include the astrobiology of Mars, the Ocean Worlds (Europa, Enceladus, Titan etc), exoplanets - and of course, the early Earth. Methods of investigation that can be proposed should have an emphasis on field and/or laboratory science, but supportive modeling and data analysis can also be included. The project should clearly enunciate a well-defined set of one or more science related science goals and questions that can be answered in a 2 year project.

Field of Science:

Astrobiology

Advisors:

Conor Nixon
[e-mail]
[phone]

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; and,
• 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

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]

Qualifications

The candidate must have, or will soon obtain, a doctoral degree in geochemistry, geobiology, astrobiology, biochemistry, astrochemistry or a related discipline that is a solid academic preparation for the proposed investigation. Typical skills may include laboratory experimentation and field sample collection, as well as data analysis and modeling. The candidate should be highly motivated to pursue a career in science, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and be accomplished at both independent work and problem solving, as well as working in a team environment. NASA is a highly integrated team and academic collective environment so that soft skills (team working, communication, resourcefulness, resilience) are equally important to strong academic skills for success.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.