Astrophysics: High Angular Resolution in the Far-Infrared: Interferometry at Long Wavelengths

About the role

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.

Description

Far-infrared interferometers will enable us to learn how planetary systems form and how the conditions for habitability develop; to characterize the family of extrasolar planetary systems by imaging the structure in debris disks; and to understand the formation, merger history, and star formation history of galaxies. To pave the way for future space-based interferometers, we developed the Wide-field Imaging Interferometry Testbed (WIIT), a sub-scale model of a space-based far-IR interferometer. WIIT will remain dormant for two years while waiting for a Roman Space Telescope test program to complete, but it has already yielded valuable data. We are using WIIT to develop, demonstrate, and learn the practical limitations of wide-field spatial-spectral interferometry, a key technique for future space-based interferometers such as the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) and the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS). The technologies and techniques developed under this program will also have application to future exoplanet missions as well as NASA Earth and Planetary science missions. The successful candidate will have experience with aperture synthesis algorithms and interferometric instrumentation. Basic familiarity with far-infrared astrophysics will be helpful but is not essential. We are currently seeking candidates with experience modeling and analyzing data from Michelson interferometers. Specific topics of interest are: (1) development and validation of algorithms for spatial-spectral image synthesis and related analysis of WIIT data; and (2) development of analytical instrument performance models.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

David Leisawitz
david.t.leisawitz@nasa.gov
301-286-0807

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org

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

Application Requirements

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

For more information on how to apply, please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program