Space Science: Laboratory Studies of Cosmic Ices, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Carbonaceous Molecules

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

Major laboratory and theoretical research is under way to study the composition, and the physical and chemical properties of interstellar and planetary materials. Among the materials studied are interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the largest molecules in space), aerosols and their gas phase molecular precursors in planetary atmospheres, ice mantles on interstellar grains and ice in comets and on solar system bodies. Cosmic and planetary material analogs (solid and gas phase) are produced in the laboratory under conditions realistically close to those expected in the interstellar and/or interplanetary medium (i.e., low [cryogenic] temperatures, high vacuum). Then, the materials are probed using current analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy in the ultraviolet to far-infrared range, Raman spectroscopy, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography). We are also studying the effects of interstellar and planetary processes (e.g., ultraviolet photolysis, high energy electron bombardment, and heating and cooling) on the structure and composition of these materials.

Requirements

• A completed Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date of the appointment.
• Research experience in the area of interest.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field by the start date of the appointment.
• Research experience in the area of interest.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Skills required include:

• Expertise in laboratory and theoretical research.
• Knowledge of interstellar and planetary materials.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
• Ability to conduct research under realistic conditions.

Benefits

No specific benefits are mentioned for this program.

Pay

No specific pay details are provided for this program.

Schedule

No specific schedule details are provided for this program.

Contact Information

For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.

Point of Contact

Mikeala