Investigating Mars' CO2 Cycle and Seasonal Polar Caps Dynamics Using Radar Sounding

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

Job summary

ORAU is offering a position in the NASA Postdoctoral Program aimed at advancing research in planetary science. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to analyze radar sounding data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, contributing to our understanding of Mars' CO₂ cycle and climate dynamics.

The role requires a doctoral degree in a related field and offers a unique chance to engage in groundbreaking research, analyzing climate data, and producing scientific publications.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and computational skills.
• Previous expertise working with radar sounding data.
• Doctoral degree in planetary science, geophysics, or atmospheric science.

Responsibilities

• Analyze radar sounding data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (SHARAD) to characterize CO₂ cycle dynamics.
• Quantify seasonal deposition and sublimation of CO₂ ice at the planet’s polar caps.
• Assess interannual and long‑term variations in polar cap structure.
• Validate and refine measurements of CO₂ condensation and sublimation processes through radar‑derived observables.
• Produce scientific reports and publications based on findings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Computational skills

Expertise with radar sounding data

Education

Doctoral degree in planetary science or related field

Job description

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. Fellowships are one‑to‑three years, designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Project Description

Understanding the climate of Mars is essential for unraveling the planet’s geological and atmospheric evolution. This project focuses on characterizing the seasonal and long‑term dynamics of Mars’ CO₂ cycle and polar caps using radar sounding data. The work will quantify the seasonal deposition and sublimation of CO₂ ice, providing insights into mass exchange between surface and atmosphere and revealing trends in polar cap structure. The analysis will employ radar data from instruments such as SHARAD aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, validate and refine measurements of CO₂ condensation and sublimation, and advance our knowledge of Martian climate dynamics and volatile processes.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Gregor Steinbruegge – [e-mail] – (818) 393‑7913

Responsibilities

• Analyze radar sounding data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (SHARAD) to characterize CO₂ cycle dynamics.
• Quantify seasonal deposition and sublimation of CO₂ ice at the planet’s polar caps.
• Assess interannual and long‑term variations in polar cap structure.
• Validate and refine measurements of CO₂ condensation and sublimation processes through radar‑derived observables.
• Produce scientific reports and publications based on findings.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in planetary science, geophysics, atmospheric science, or related field.
• Previous expertise working with radar sounding data.
• Strong analytical and computational skills.

Eligibility Requirements

• United States Citizen
• United States Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
• Foreign national eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms pending

Contact

Mikeala – Email: [e-mail]