Modeling of Giant Impacts in the Solar System

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The ORAU invites applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program, offering unique research opportunities in Planetary Science. Successful candidates will engage in NASA's ongoing research projects, focusing on modeling studies related to giant impacts throughout the solar system. Applicants must possess a PhD in physics, mathematics, or a related subject, along with experience in 3D hydrocode modeling and strong communication skills. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2026, and only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are eligible.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in 3D hydrocode modeling of impacts, explosions, or related areas.
• Ability to work independently with strong written and oral English skills.
• Proficiency as a presenter and communicator, and comfort working in a collaborative team environment at NASA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling studies to better explain giant impact events throughout the solar system.

Skills

3D hydrocode modeling

Strong written and oral English skills

Collaboration and communication

Education

PhD in physics, mathematics, or related subject

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0334-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-PlanetSci

Application Deadline

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

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

In the past two decades, increased awareness and knowledge of the role of giant impacts throughout the solar system has led to a reinterpretation of our understanding of planetary surfaces and orbits. Examples include the origin of the Moon through recondensation of material from a giant impact of a Mars‑sized body (Theia) on the Earth; origin of the Martian hemispheric dichotomy; and even the rings and small moons of Saturn.

However, much work remains to be done to fully understand these mechanisms and test against competing hypotheses. This project solicits proposals for modeling studies to better explain giant impact events throughout the solar system, with important implications for solar system formation and evolution, origins and sustainment of life, and future planetary protection.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Conor Nixon

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• 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

Citizens from designated countries will not be accepted 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.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in 3D hydrocode modeling of impacts, explosions, or related areas.
• A PhD in physics, mathematics, or related subject is required.
• Ability to work independently with strong written and oral English skills.
• Proficiency as a presenter and communicator, and comfort working in a collaborative team environment at NASA.

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral Degree.