Solar System Exploration: Radiative Transfer Modeling of Infrared Spectra for Planetary Atmospheres

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Greenbelt, Maryland is offering a NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship. This role involves conducting advanced research in planetary science, specifically through radiative transfer modeling of infrared observations from various sources. Applicants should possess a Doctoral Degree in a relevant field. This competitive fellowship presents a unique opportunity to engage in NASA's cutting-edge research initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in planetary science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct radiative transfer modeling of infrared observations of planets and their satellites.
• Develop radiative transfer models and retrieval algorithms for planetary atmospheres.

Education

Doctoral Degree in a field relevant to planetary science or related disciplines

Job description

Overview

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities for 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.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

• Conor Nixon – [e-mail] – 301‑286‑6757
• Gordon L. Bjoraker – [e-mail] – 301‑286‑3139
• Michael D. Smith – [e-mail] – 301‑286‑7495
• Alain Khayat – [e-mail] – 301‑614‑5420

Eligibility Requirements

• 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
• 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.

Responsibilities

Conduct radiative transfer modeling of infrared observations of planets and their satellites from spacecraft, balloons, and ground‑based telescopes. This work yields information on the thermal structure and composition of atmospheres, as well as composition and temperatures of surfaces. Examples include using infrared spectra from Voyager 1 and 2 IRIS, Cassini CIRS, Mars Global Surveyor TES, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter CRISM. The primary objective is to develop radiative transfer models and retrieval algorithms to quantitatively characterize the state of planetary atmospheres.

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in a field relevant to planetary science or related disciplines.