Solar System: Development of Protocols and Techniques for Analysis of Planetary Materials and A[...]

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); Vor Ort; USD 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading aerospace research organization is offering a competitive postdoctoral fellowship in planetary science at their Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This unique opportunity invites researchers to develop new methodologies for analyzing planetary materials, including investigations on Mars and Titan. Applicants should possess a doctoral degree and experience in mass spectrometry and related fields. This position involves engaging with advanced NASA research projects and contributing to significant scientific advancements.

Qualifikationen

• Experience in instrument development and operation required.
• Strong background in mass spectrometry and ion optics preferred.

Aufgaben

• Engage in ongoing NASA research projects.
• Develop novel approaches for analyzing planetary materials.
• Conduct research on non-volatile organics and hypervelocity impact simulations.

Kenntnisse

Experience in instrument development and operation

Pulsed lasers

High vacuum systems

Mass spectrometry

Ion optics and detectors

Laboratory instrument controls and programming

Ausbildung

Doctoral Degree

Jobbeschreibung

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0107-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-PlanetSci

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect.

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application 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.

Proposals are invited that focus on developing novel approaches, techniques, and protocols for analyzing the chemical, organic, and isotopic composition of planetary materials using laser mass spectrometry along with associated or complementary techniques. Potential research topics include:

• Development and testing of novel laser-based ion sources and/or analytical protocols for mass spectrometers, including prompt and/or post-ionization, chemical imaging, stigmatic ion extraction, and/or pulsed ion gating.
• Analysis of complex non-volatile organics in natural and synthetic analog samples (e.g., for Mars or Titan), standards, and meteorites, including combined use of laser and non-laser methods to calibrate identification of compounds in mixtures.
• Application of pulsed laser irradiation and cluster formation to simulate hypervelocity impact plasma chemical synthesis.
• Studies should take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities and may utilize sample extraction and preparation facilities designed for analytical and prototype development work.
• Specific research topics should address elements of the NASA Astrobiology roadmap or support science for current and future missions, such as method development analyzing surface samples on Mars, Titan, Enceladus, and Europa.

Qualifications

Experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, ion optics and detectors, and laboratory instrument controls and programming is required.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

William Brinckerhoff
[e-mail]
301-614-6397

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• 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

Additional Eligibility Information

To apply, citizenship in a Designated Country is not accepted at this time unless the applicant is a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Contact

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail].
Point of Contact: Mikeala