Mass Spectrometry of Lunar Volatiles

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

This opportunity is for the development of models and data analysis using mass spectrometers on the Moon to improve our understanding of volatiles (e.g., water, nitrogen, noble gases) in the lunar exosphere and lunar soils. The opportunity will consider the origin and provenance of volatiles measured by the Peregrine Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) on Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission-1 and the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo) on the VIPER mission. It is expected that these research problems be addressed using a combination of modeling of volatile sources and isotopic signatures, data analysis from these instruments, and collaborating with datasets from other instruments. The incumbent will gain hands-on experience by participating in the flight operation of these instruments to collect, analyze, and archive data. The incumbent will be expected to present results at appropriate conferences and in peer-reviewed publications. Key skill sets include data analysis, statistical analysis, mass spectrometry, and interest in / familiarity with volatile species in the solar system.

Requirements

• A completed Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date of the appointment
• Strong background in planetary science, mass spectrometry, and data analysis
• Experience with mass spectrometry and data analysis techniques
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in lunar and planetary science

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 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Skills

• Data analysis
• Statistical analysis
• Mass spectrometry
• Interest in / familiarity with volatile species in the solar system

Benefits

• One- to three-year fellowship
• Opportunity to engage in ongoing NASA research projects
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Unique research opportunities

Pay

• Salary range: $70,000 - $100,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience

Schedule

• Full-time position

Contact Information

To apply, please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

For questions about this opportunity, please email: npp@orau.org