Planetary Science: Geochemistry and Geochronology of Planetary Materials
About the role
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities in the field of planetary science, focusing on geochemistry and geochronology of planetary materials. This program is designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
Description
The history of each planet is recorded through its rocks. Our research involves understanding the formation, modification, and age of planetary materials to learn about their parent planets. We use multiple analysis techniques to achieve this, including the Mid-Atlantic Noble Gas Research Laboratory (MNGRL).
- Early impact history of the Moon through noble-gas dating of impact-melt rocks contained in lunar meteorites and Apollo breccia.
- Impact history of the asteroid belt by examining meteorite breccias from large main-belt asteroids.
- Age limits on terrestrial impact craters.
- Ages, exposure histories, and thermal history of new and unusual meteorites.
Techniques and Projects
We are also developing a LIBS-MS based technique (KArLE) for in situ planetary isotopic dating for future Mars and Moon missions. Research proposals may focus on:
- Using in situ K-Ar dating to understand different planetary lithologies.
- Comparing K-Ar and Ar-Ar ages of Martian and lunar rocks with complex thermal histories.
- Investigating experimental conditions to optimize flight instrument workflow and hardware.
Location
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
Field of Science
Planetary Science
Advisors
Barbara A. Cohen
barbara.a.cohen@nasa.gov
301-614-6803
Eligibility
Eligibility is currently open to:
- 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.
Contact Information
Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org.