Solar System: Development of Protocols and Techniques for Analysis of Planetary Materials and Analogs Using Laser Mass Spectrometry

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

Proposals are invited that focus on developing novel approaches, techniques, and protocols for analyzing the chemical, organic, and isotopic composition of planetary materials using laser mass spectrometry along with associated or complementary techniques. The development of analytical protocols may also be used in fundamental studies for astrobiology and exobiology where laser mass spectrometry of solid-phase samples plays a central role. Examples of potential research topics include:

• Development and testing of novel laser-based ion sources and/or analytical protocols for mass spectrometers including (i) prompt and/or post-ionization, (ii) chemical imaging, (iii) stigmatic ion extraction, and/or (iv) pulsed ion gating;
• Analysis of complex non-volatile organics in natural and synthetic analog samples (e.g., for Mars or Titan), standards, and meteorites, including combined use of laser and non-laser methods to calibrate identification of compounds in mixtures;
• Application of pulsed laser irradiation and cluster formation to simulate hypervelocity impact plasma chemical synthesis.

Studies should take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (e.g., laser TOF-MS prototypes, neutral and plasma-sampling mass and energy analyers, and facility GC-MS and LC-MS) for the instrument protocol development, sample analysis, and simulation activities. Studies may also utilize sample extraction and preparation facilities designed for analytical and prototype development work such as precision subsampling tools and myriad available tools typically used in analysis of rock and meteorite samples. Specific research topics should address elements of the NASA Astrobiology roadmap, or supporting science for current and future missions, such as method development analyzing surface samples on Mars, Titan, Enceladus, and Europa.

Experience

Experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, ion optics and detectors, and laboratory instrument controls and programming is required.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

William Brinckerhoff
William.B.Brinckerhoff@nasa.gov
301-614-6397

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; and,
• 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 for questions about this opportunity.