Evolution of Organic Matter in Planetary Ices

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.

Responsibilities

The research work focuses on Physics and Chemistry of Outer Planetary Ices using Laboratory Simulations and Spectroscopy. The goal is to understand the evolution of organic matter in ices under the conditions similar to Solar System icy bodies such as comets, satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, Saturnian Rings etc. In order to achieve this goal, it is also necessary to get accurate data on the physical properties of crystalline and amorphous forms of water-rich ices. In addition to the fundamental research mentioned above, the post-doctoral colleague will have an opportunity to participate in next-generation space instrumentation, and analysis of observational data.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or astrophysics
• Strong passion to undertake multidisciplinary research to explore unknown territories of astrophysics of ices
• Experience and expertise in the following techniques: low-temperature techniques, laboratory ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy, ultra-high vacuum techniques, mass-spectrometry, and quantum chemistry

Qualifications

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or astrophysics and strong passion to undertake multidisciplinary research to explore unknown territories of astrophysics of ices. Experience and expertise in the following techniques is highly desirable: low-temperature techniques, laboratory ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy, ultra-high vacuum techniques, mass-spectrometry, and quantum chemistry.

Skills

None specified in the job posting.

Benefits

Not specified in the job posting.

Pay

Not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Not specified in the job posting.

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Mikeala

Email: npp@orau.org

Advisor: Murthy S Gudipati

Email: Murthy.Gudipati@jpl.nasa.gov

Phone: 818-354-2637