Stellar and Exoplanet science with the Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS)

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the NASA Postdoctoral Program focused on UV astrophysics and exoplanet studies. Join an interdisciplinary team working on the SPARCS mission to analyze flare data and contribute to improving engineering processes. Requires a Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related discipline and expertise in data-reduction pipelines. Strong collaborative skills and communication are essential. Great opportunity to shape the future of small satellite technology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astrophysics, planetary science, or a related discipline is required.
• Experience in UV or multi-wavelength photometry and stellar astrophysics is desired.
• Strong expertise in astronomical data-reduction pipelines is valued.

Responsibilities

• Analyze flare data to inform on planet habitability.
• Contribute to mission aspects including science analysis and data processing.
• Develop research plans aligned with personal interests.

Skills

Time-domain astrophysics

UV photometry

Stellar astrophysics

Planetary atmospheric modeling

Data-reduction pipelines

Education

Ph.D. in astrophysics or related discipline

Job description

NASA Postdoctoral Program – SPARCS (Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat)

The SPARCS team invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an innovative and interdisciplinary mission at the forefront of ultraviolet (UV) astrophysics, exoplanet habitability studies, and small satellite technology and operations.

SPARCS is a NASA‑funded 6U CubeSat designed to monitor UV variability from low‑mass stars (K and M dwarfs) to understand how stellar activity—particularly flares—shapes the atmospheres and habitability of orbiting exoplanets. Launching in late 2025, the mission’s primary goal is to conduct long‑duration stares (5–40 days) of ~20 stars in two UV bands (153–171 nm and 260–300 nm) over a one‑year primary mission period.

Research Responsibilities

• Analyze flare data and contextualize findings to planet habitability.
• Contribute to all aspects of the mission, including science analysis, engineering process improvement, and data processing.
• Develop and apply customizable research plans aligned with personal interests.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astrophysics, planetary science, or a related discipline (by the beginning of the appointment).
• Experience with time‑domain astrophysics, UV or multi‑wavelength photometry, stellar astrophysics, or planetary atmospheric modeling.
• Strong expertise in astronomical data‑reduction pipelines, high‑reliability software systems, and detector calibration is strongly valued.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment.

Eligibility

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen.
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Contact

Point of Contact: Mikeala
Phone: Not provided

Advisors: David Ardila ([e-mail], (626) 428‑1355), Mark Swain ([e-mail], (818) 455‑2396)