Laboratory Astrophysics: experimental, theoretical, modeling, and/or database research

About the role

The Laboratory Astrophysics Directed Work Package at NASA Ames Research Center supports two broad science themes: 1) The PAH Universe, and 2) From Nano-grains to Carbonaceous Dust Grains. This work generates data and develops tools that enable the study and interpretation of spectral signatures from carbon in the interstellar medium.

Responsibilities

• Production of gas-phase analogs of cosmic molecules and ions, and solid-phase analogs of cosmic grains, exoplanetary atmospheric aerosols, and protoplanetary disk materials from gas chemistry at low temperature using a plasma expansion.
• Spectral characterization of low temperature molecules and ions for comparison with observations.
• Spectral and morphological characterization of laboratory-generated solid materials using scanning electron microscopy, UV-FIR spectroscopy and other techniques.
• Optical constant determination of organic refractory materials and ices from the visible to the far infrared.
• Development of new techniques from variable angle transmission and reflectance measurements and participation in projects to extend the characterized wavelength range.
• Work closely with observers and modelers to use the optical constants in the analysis of observational data from, e.g., Hubble, Spitzer, JWST.
• Development of the infrastructure of the Nanograindb database by taking into account the needs of the astronomical community and by using PAHdb as a blueprint.
• Create libraries of computed and experimental spectra and morphological data.
• Develop software tools for modeling the emission spectra of nanograins using the spectral and morphological data and for comparing with observations.
• Make these tools available through Nanograindb.
• Involvement in planning and executing JWST observations, which are paramount for furthering our understanding of interstellar PAHs, increasing their effectiveness as astrophysical probes.
• Utilize PAHdb in astrophysical studies to affirm data-quality, tool performance, and foresee and respond to potential needs from the astronomical community.
• Mature and extend the software analysis tools in PAHdb for use with JWST data.

Requirements

• Experience with plasma physics and vacuum techniques.
• Experience with laser spectroscopy in the UV-Visible-NIR and in the MIR ranges, jet expansions and molecular beams, plasma physics, and vacuum instrumentation.
• Experience with ex-situ diagnostics for the characterization of solid materials.
• Proficiency in data reduction and analysis using Python and comfortable with IDL.
• Experience with JWST data reduction and analysis is a plus.

Qualifications

• A Doctoral Degree.

Skills

• Python programming skills.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in astrophysics.
• Collaboration with leading experts in the field.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Pay

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• Full-time position.

Contact Information

To learn more about the opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.

Point of Contact

Mikeala