Exploration and Characterization of the Regolith of Microgravity Bodies

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace research organization offers a postdoctoral opportunity in planetary science to develop measurement techniques for microgravity bodies. The role requires advanced research skills and a Doctoral Degree in a relevant field such as geology or materials science. Responsibilities include designing experimental probes to study regolith structures and conducting validation studies. The position is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, offering a chance to contribute to NASA's space missions.

Qualifications

• Practical knowledge in the design, construction, and execution of studies on regolith materials.
• Experience with experimental studies on microgravity bodies.

Responsibilities

• Develop measurement techniques for the regolith structure and temperature.
• Design and construct a projectile-based probe for research.
• Conduct experimental studies to validate probe designs.

Skills

Experimental design

Geology

Materials science

Soil mechanics

Planetary sciences

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0299-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-PlanetSci

Field of Science

Planetary Science

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

Responsibilities for this postdoctoral position include developing measurement techniques to characterize the regolith structure, temperature at depth, thermal conductivity, and volatile content of small, microgravity bodies such as comets, asteroids, and small moons. The researcher will design and construct a projectile‑based probe equipped with a three‑axis accelerometer and a thermal probe, optimize penetration into and recording of the regolith structure, conduct trade studies to select stabilization methods, and carry out experimental studies at the Tower Test Facility to validate probe designs and protocols across a range of microgravity bodies. The scientist will also investigate the generalization of probe techniques for deploying additional sensors, anchoring, and other exploratory missions.

Qualifications

An educational background in geology, materials science, soil mechanics, or planetary sciences is required. Practical knowledge in the design, construction, and execution of experimental studies on regolith materials or their analogs is extremely useful for the design and execution of new experimental studies of regolith probes.

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.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Email: [e-mail]