Planetary Orbits, Rotation and Gravity Fields
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
- Conduct research in the area of solar system dynamics with an emphasis on using spacecraft radio range and Doppler measurements to determine planetary gravity fields and rotation dynamics.
- Investigate planetary interior and crustal structure and formation processes using a broad range of space missions, including GRACE gravity mapping data analysis, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter gravity data analysis, Juno gravity science data planning and simulation analysis, and BepiColombo mission to Mercury gravity science data planning and simulation analysis.
- Use combined data sets for the estimation of the planetary ephemeris as well as the ephemeris development for the natural satellites and small bodies of the solar system.
Requirements
- A PhD in a relevant field.
- Experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing. The successful candidate will work with members of the active Solar System Dynamics Group at JPL.
Skills
Knowledge of spacecraft radio range and Doppler measurements, planetary gravity fields, and rotation dynamics. Experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing.
Benefits
One- to three-year fellowships designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
Pay
N/A
Schedule
N/A
Benefits
N/A
Application Deadline
11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Contact Information
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.
Questions
Please email npp@orau.org