Space Science: Exoplanet Science and Technology Development

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

Ames scientists are actively involved in theoretical computation of extrasolar planet atmospheres, predicting exoplanet spectra, conducting and interpreting exoplanet observations, planning future observations, and developing technology for future exoplanet missions. Atmospheric models and spectra are being developed for giant planets, terrestrial planets, and brown dwarfs. These are being applied to interpret spectroscopic observations made by the Spitzer Space Telescope and to plan future observatories. Theoretical models of multi-planet solar systems are being used to interpret ground-based radial velocity observations. This work has resulted in the discovery of new planets and some of the least massive known exoplanets. Ames is also planning and studying exoplanet observations with future NASA missions, including data from NASA's Kepler mission, the James Webb Space Telescope, and future coronagraphic and transiting exoplanet missions. Finally, Ames is putting significant effort into developing a high contrast imaging testbed for an eventual mission to image exoplanets with a coronagraphic space telescope. This testbed includes a high performance Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) coronagraph and a wavefront control system utilizing MEMS deformable mirrors. There are opportunities for participating in this effort in a variety of areas, including optical analysis and alignment, wavefront control, and coronagraph system modeling.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Advisors

• Natasha Batalha
  natasha.e.batalha@nasa.gov
  650-604-2813
• Ruslan Belikov
  ruslan.belikov@nasa.gov
  650-604-0833
• Jessie Dotson
  jessie.dotson@nasa.gov
  (650)448-7514
• Sonny Harman
  sonny.harman@nasa.gov
  650-604-1671
• Jack Lissauer
  Jack.Lissauer@nasa.gov
  650-604-2293
• Mark Marley
  Mark.S.Marley@nasa.gov
  650-604-0805

Location

Ames Research Center
Moffet Field, California

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

Benefits

Opportunities for participation in various areas of exoplanet research, including atmospheric modeling, observational astronomy, and mission planning.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the provided information.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the provided information.