The Interstellar Medium and Star Formation with Herschel and Beyond

ORAU; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is offering a fellowship under the NASA Postdoctoral Program in Pasadena, California. This opportunity allows scholars to engage in cutting-edge NASA research projects over one to three years. Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in a related field and be eligible U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. The research focuses on various areas, including observational programs related to interstellar medium and star formation, among other aspects of NASA’s missions in space science.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• Eligible to apply as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident, or foreign national with appropriate visa.

Responsibilities

• Engage in NASA research projects.
• Investigate the interstellar medium and star formation using the Herschel Space Observatory.
• Analyze data from sub‑orbital balloon missions.

Education

Doctoral degree in a related field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers one‑to‑three‑year fellowships that allow scholars to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or a NASA‑affiliated research institute. The fellowship advances NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Research Focus

Observational programs using the Herschel Space Observatory and ground‑based facilities will investigate the interstellar medium and star formation. Projects include:

• Herschel Guaranteed Time and Open Time Key Projects on tracers ranging from ionized carbon (C II) to molecular oxygen (O₂).
• Measurements of polarized emission and absorption from dust grains to understand the role of magnetic fields in the ISM structure and its relation to star formation.
• Analysis of data from sub‑orbital balloon missions and use of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) for spectral line observations.

Advisors

Paul F. Goldsmith ([e-mail], (818) 393‑0518)

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, or eligible foreign nationals (J‑1 visa, LPR, asylee, refugee with a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589).