Computational modeling of biological systems for spaceflight applications

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

To live sustainably for long durations in space, biological systems will be needed to provide clean air, water, food, drugs, fuels, and building materials. However, designing these systems remains challenging due to limited opportunities for spaceflight experiments, difficulty translating lab results to predictions about space behavior, and the inherent complexity of biological systems.

Computational modeling can help address these challenges by facilitating the development of biological systems for spaceflight applications through various means, including metabolic modeling, molecular dynamics, and simulations of microbial systems. This postdoctoral project aims to develop advanced computational tools and conduct experimental validation in the lab, with a focus on microbial bioproduction, bioregenerative life support systems, or crop plants. The project will be co-mentored by researchers from the Space Biosciences Research Branch and the Intelligent Systems Division.

Field of Science

Biological Sciences

Requirements

• Proficiency in relevant modeling tools
• Experience in appropriate laboratory experimental methods
• Interest in learning new methods (in either modeling or experimentation)
• Strong preference for candidates who have completed their PhD within the last 5 years

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (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 valid EAD card and pending I-485 or I-589 forms

Skills

• Modeling skills
• Laboratory experimental methods
• Interdisciplinary approach

Benefits

• One- to three-year fellowship
• Competitive research opportunities
• Co-mentoring by experts
• Access to high-end computing capabilities

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A