Solar System: Impact Crater Modeling and Remote Sensing Studies of Planetary Surfaces

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal space agency is offering unique research opportunities through its Postdoctoral Program based in Greenbelt, Maryland. Candidates will engage in competitive fellowships working on NASA research projects, primarily focusing on planetary science. Applicants must hold a Doctoral Degree and may apply if they are U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. The application involves submitting a research proposal and transcripts. Applications are due by November 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center or affiliated research institute.
• Conduct research proposals on planetary surfaces and models of impact cratering.
• Analyze lunar spectral data and perform geologic mapping.

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0135-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 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.

Research Topics and Projects

Proposals are solicited that focus on studies of planetary surfaces using near‑infrared remote sensing or that take a model‑based approach to understand the role of impact cratering in modifying a planetary surface. Research topics include impact cratering, regolith development, and comparative planetology. Current projects include analysis of lunar spectral data, studies of the lunar surface and stratigraphy using high‑resolution images, crater ejecta and melt modeling, studies of small‑body geology, geologic mapping, and data integration. This research generally involves cross‑comparison of planetary data sets, including infrared data, optical imaging, topographic data, radar, and numerical models.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Noah Petro
E: [e-mail]
P: 301-614-6498

Eligibility

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time unless they are legal permanent residents of the United States.

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

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Questions and Contact

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

Point of Contact: Mikeala

A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control