Solar System Exploration: Theoretical and Observational Studies in Astrochemistry

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The ORAU is offering a unique opportunity in the NASA Postdoctoral Program at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This position focuses on advancing research in astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics, with a strong emphasis on theoretical modeling for ongoing NASA missions.

The successful candidate will be involved in identifying fundamental chemical processes in various extraterrestrial environments and contribute to understanding the chemistry relevant to astrobiology. Applicants should hold a Doctoral Degree.

Qualifications

• Strong research background in astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics.
• Experience with theoretical modeling and computational chemistry.
• Familiarity with data from radio telescopes and astronomical observations.

Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing NASA research projects.
• Develop chemical models for astronomical sources.
• Conduct research on planetary and astrobiological implications.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0115-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: 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 research group undertakes research in astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics aimed at understanding those astronomical environments that are to be studied by current and future NASA missions. We are particularly interested in the chemical connections between different stages in the Galactic evolution of matter, specifically issues related to the birth and death of stars, the formation and evolution of the Solar System, and prebiotic chemistry.

Our theoretical work involves identifying and understanding the basic chemical processes that drive gas-phase and solid-phase chemistry in different extraterrestrial environments. We then apply these concepts to construct detailed computer models of various astronomical sources. The theoretical models involve either numerical integration of large systems of differential equations describing combined dynamical-chemical evolution, as in the case of cometary comae, or involving stochastic simulation using Monte Carlo algorithms, as in the case of catalytic reactions on astronomical dust particles. We are interested in the chemistry of the interstellar molecular clouds that give birth to both massive and low-mass stars, and the effects these young stars have on their surroundings.

Associated with the collapse of a molecular cloud core to form a star like the Sun is the formation of an orbiting disk of gas and dust which eventually evolves into a planetary system. Chemical models are under development which will allow us to follow the chemical evolution of interstellar material as it becomes incorporated into these disks. We are also constructing models of chemical evolution in protoplanetary disks for comparison with current and future astronomical observations. We are particularly interested in the record of chemistry in the protosolar nebula that is contained in primitive Solar System matter, such as asteroids, meteorites and comets, and many of our models incorporate detailed isotopic fractionation chemistries.

A strong focus is given to understanding the formation of organic molecules as this is directly relevant for astrobiology. The cometary populations probably contain some of the most pristine materials in the Solar System. Remote observations of cometary molecules probe directly the gaseous coma as it outgasses from the nucleus of dust and ice. Significant effort at GSFC is in the development of a coma chemistry code and applying it to understand the data both from ground-based observations and from comet rendezvous space missions. A model of the physical and chemical evolution of the cometary nucleus is also under development.

When stars like the Sun begin to die they first evolve into red giants and then evolve along the Asymptotic Giant Branch. Red giants form massive, chemically-rich, circumstellar envelopes and are copious producers of dust grains and complex molecules. Detailed dynamical-chemical modeling is undertaken to understand the molecular processes that occur both in the dust formation zone and in the outer envelopes as dust and gas flow out into the interstellar medium. These models are directly applicable to the interpretation of data now being returned by the Herschel Space Observatory.

Opportunities for theoretical research exist in several areas and proposals that offer the possibility of cross-fertilization between these are encouraged.

We also are active in using radio telescopes to study the chemistry of these same regions of the galaxy. The rich molecular inventory found in solar system materials, such as meteorites and cometary particles returned from STARDUST, have interstellar heredity, known due to abnormal isotopic signatures and the presence of non-terrestrial species in prebiotic classes. Observations of complex species throughout the Galaxy toward objects at various stages of stellar evolution may help elucidate the extent of prebiotic chemical heritage.

Specific research opportunities may include millimeter and/or submillimeter observations of the interstellar medium, circumstellar envelopes, and/or comets to investigate the molecular complexity throughout stellar evolution, including the formation of planetary systems and astrobiological implications.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Steven Charnley [e-mail] 301-286-9706

Stefanie Milam [e-mail] 301-614-6902

Eligibility

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

Questions

Please email [e-mail]

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree