Laboratory Studies of Chemistry on Titan's Surface

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

Our group performs a wide array of experiments to study the chemical processes that control the evolution and composition of Titan's surface. Solubility, precipitation, photochemistry and low temperature thermal reactions are studied using infrared, Raman and ultraviolet spectroscopies, optical microscopy, synchrotron x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction. Current research focuses on the formation of organic co-crystals at low temperature, and the reactivity of carbon dioxide with amines to form carbamic acid. We are also developing ultraviolet and infrared fiber optic probes for the in situ chemical characterization of Titan's lakes.

Requirements

• Experience in spectroscopy, ultrahigh vacuum techniques, and/or experimental physical chemistry is desired.

Qualifications

• A Doctoral Degree.

Skills

Research proposal

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

Not specified

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

• Robert Hodyss

Contact Information

• Email: npp@orau.org
• Point of Contact: Mikeala

Eligibility

• 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

Designated Countries

This opportunity may require mandatory drug testing, random drug testing, and testing prior to initiation of fellowship appointment.

Questions

Please email npp@orau.org