Quantitative Mineralogy and Life Detection using Raman and LIBS Spectroscopy

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace organization is seeking Postdoctoral Scholars for its NASA Postdoctoral Program at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. These roles involve developing advanced spectrometers for planetary science, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory work. Candidates must hold a Doctoral Degree and possess expertise in areas including lasers and molecular spectroscopy. Opportunities exist for impactful research contributing to NASA's missions. Benefits include the chance to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to space science advancements.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in hands-on laboratory-based instrument development work.
• Experience with advanced spectrometers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced in-situ spectrometers for planetary science.
• Participate in research projects at NASA.

Skills

Laser expertise

Optical instrument design

Electronics knowledge

Atomic emission spectroscopy

Molecular spectroscopy

Chemometric techniques

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code 0061-NPP-NOV26-JPL-PlanetSci

How To Apply
All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

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.

Our group’s primary research focus is on the development of advanced in-situ spectrometers for planetary science. We are seeking Postdoctoral Scholars interested in participating in the development of an integrated Raman/LIBS spectrometer that can measure spectra at standoff distances ranging from several centimeters to several meters. The goal of this project is to demonstrate that LIBS/Raman spectra can be used to perform quantitative mineralogy and elemental analysis in extreme environments. This includes rocks samples held in a simulated Venus surface environment of 465°C and 93 bar, and very cold, high-pressure liquid environments beneath ice-covered oceans of Europa or Enceladus.

Postdoctoral scholars are also sought to assist in the development of specialized ultraviolet Raman spectrometers designed to detect the resonant enhanced Raman spectra of conjugated or aromatic organic compounds representing signatures of life within Mars, Europa, Enceladus, Titan or other bodies where life may exist. The successful candidate will be involved in the development of a multi-wavelength UV source as well as a UV Echelle Raman spectrometer enabling resonant Raman spectra of samples illuminated with multiple UV wavelengths to be processed simultaneously. Alternatively, scholars may explore the development of specialized probeheads utilizing metalized or liquid core optical waveguides to enhance sensitivity or utility of Raman, fluorescence, LIBS, or atomic absorption in-situ instruments.

All of the projects above are lab oriented. Candidates must have a strong interest in hands‑on laboratory-based instrument development work. Candidates with expertise in lasers, optical instrument design, electronics, atomic emission spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and chemometric techniques (PLS, nonlinear PLS, PLS‑SVC, kernel based methods, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

James L Lambert
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [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
• 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

This opportunity may require the following:

• Mandatory drug testing
• Random drug testing
• Testing prior to initiation of fellowship appointment

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree