Stellar Astrophysics with Kepler, K2, and TESS Data

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

The Exoplanet missions - Kepler, K2, and TESS - precisely monitor the brightness of many millions of stars to search for exoplanet transits. Additionally, such high-precision light curves provide new windows into stellar astrophysics. Science researchers at NASA/Ames have detailed expertise in the use of such data for new studies in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science.

The successful postdoctoral candidate will conduct scientific research related to the use of high-precision photometric data primarily based on but not exclusive to these NASA missions to perform studies of stellar astrophysics and variability. NASA/Ames has and continues to carry out detailed associated ground-based follow-up observations that may also be part of the proposed research effort. Kepler and K2 have produced millions of light curves showing some form of variability and together provide the largest, uniform dataset on stellar variability ever collected in astronomy. The exact nature of the proposed research will depend on the candidate's background and research interests and a mutually agreeable research plan with the listed advisor.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience with high-precision photometry, variable stars, stellar astrophysics, statistical techniques, theoretical modeling, and other relevant skills is highly desirable.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment is a plus, as are excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

Contact

Interested applicants should contact the advisor.

Location

Ames Research Center
Moffet Field, California

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

• Steve B. Howell
  steve.b.howell@nasa.gov
  650-604-4238
• Jessie Dotson
  jessie.dotson@nasa.gov
  (650)448-7514

Application Instructions

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

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

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org