Understanding radiation effects in dust and icy regolith on airless bodies

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The role involves conducting experimental studies using a radiation simulation chamber, while requiring a Ph.D. in Planetary Science or a related field.

Candidates should possess strong programming and data analysis skills, and experience with mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ongoing NASA projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Planetary Science, Physics, Geology, Astrophysics, or related field.
• Experience with apparatus design and construction of experimental systems.
• Proficiency in programming, multidimensional data analysis, and associated software.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct experimental apparatus.
• Operate and maintain the radiation simulation chamber.
• Perform mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy experiments.

Skills

Programming

Data analysis

LabView

Python

SolidWorks

Infrared spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Education

Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field

Tools

Linux/Mac OS

Windows OS

SIMION

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Application Deadline

November 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 NASA Centers, Headquarters, or a NASA-affiliated research institute. The Planetary Magnetospheres Lab (695) in the Solar System Exploration Division (690) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center seeks a postdoctoral researcher to carry out experimental studies on a newly built ultra‑high‑vacuum radiation simulation chamber in the SpaceREDI laboratory. This strictly laboratory‑based position invites the candidate to propose a project using neutral and ion mass spectrometry combined with infrared spectroscopy to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on icy regolith analogs representative of comets, polar cold traps, or icy moons.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct experimental apparatus.
• Operate and maintain the radiation simulation chamber.
• Perform mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy experiments.
• Analyze data and develop computational models.
• Communicate results in written reports and oral presentations.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

Micah Schaible – [e-mail] – (406) 207‑0211

Eligibility

U.S. Citizens; U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR); Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa; and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589 forms.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Planetary Science, Physics, Geology, Astrophysics, or related field.
• Experience with apparatus design and construction of experimental systems, fast ion and electron beams, continuous and pulsed photon sources, ultra‑high vacuums, infrared spectral reflectance measurements, quadrupole mass spectrometry, and associated electronics.
• Proficiency in programming, multidimensional data analysis, LabView, Python, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, SIMION, Linux/Mac OS, and Windows OS.
• Strong background in at least some of the above areas, proven research ability, and evidence of future research potential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Point of Contact

Mikeala – [e-mail]

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral Degree.