Organic Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis System (OCEANS) Protocol Development and Validation on Astrobiology Analog Samples

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

This research will involve the development and validation of separation protocols for biomarker compounds using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS). The ultimate goal of this effort is to lay the foundation for a life detection mission to an ocean world such as Europa or Enceladus seeking chemical signatures of life. The primary chemical targets of interest are amino acids, carboxylic acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The first stage of the fellowship will involve development of methods for chiral analysis of amino acids using CE-MS, and optimization of limits of detection. This initial research will utilize a newly installed SCIEX CESI 8000 capillary electrophoresis instrument coupled to a Thermo Fleet LCQ mass spectrometer. Following this, methods for carboxylic acid and PAH analysis will also be developed. The final phases of the research project will involve the use of methods developed for the analysis of ocean world analog samples collected from sites such as Lake Vostok, Taylor glacier, or deep ocean water.

Requirements

• A recent Ph.D. in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline with a strong background in analytical chemistry, capillary electrophoresis, electrospray ionization, and mass spectrometry.
• Experience analyzing complex real-world environmental samples is also a significant asset.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline with a strong background in analytical chemistry, capillary electrophoresis, electrospray ionization, and mass spectrometry. Experience analyzing complex real-world environmental samples is also a significant asset.

Skills

Strong background in analytical chemistry, capillary electrophoresis, electrospray ionization, and mass spectrometry.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Mikeala

Eligibility

This opportunity may require the following:

• Mandatory drug testing;
• Random drug testing;
• Testing prior to initiation of fellowship appointment.

Questions

Please email npp@orau.org for questions about this opportunity.