Moon Interior Structure from Gravity Analysis

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA seeks outstanding postdoctoral researchers to analyze GRAIL and LRO data, advancing our understanding of the Moon's interior through gravity-field modeling and crustal density variation studies. You will work within the Planetary Geodesy group at NASA GSFC, contributing to the interpretation of results and collaboration with advisors.

The project emphasizes data analysis, modeling, and developing novel constraint techniques to reveal the Moon's deep interior structure.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering or science from a recognized institution.
• Strong background in planetary science or geodesy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data to derive gravity field models of the Moon.
• Develop methods to determine density variations in the Moon's crust and model the Moon's deep interior.
• Interpret results and contribute to publication-ready findings with the Planetary Geodesy group at NASA GSFC.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0348-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. This project will focus on the analysis of Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data to improve our understanding of the Moon's interior structure. The selected candidate will use data from these two lunar missions to focus on gravity field determination for the Moon, with the main topics being high-resolution gravity field models for modeling the structure of the Moon's crust, and time-variable gravity to probe the structure of the Moon's deep interior. The project will consist of both data analysis and interpretation of the results. The latter consists of developing methods to determine lateral and vertical density variations in the Moon's crust using novel constraint techniques, as well as modeling of the Moon's deep interior. The selected candidate will work with the Planetary Geodesy group at NASA GSFC.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Erwan Mazarico
[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

• 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

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Qualifications

Candidates should have an engineering or science Ph.D. in a relevant field and have relevant experience to the proposed project.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email [e-mail]