Synthetic Biology in Support of NASA Science and Exploration
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
Candidates will use synthetic biology techniques to approach basic questions in astrobiology, particularly focusing on the history and diversity of life on earth and beyond. Projects may also focus on the use of synthetic biology to support human space exploration.
- Re-evolving proteins
- Create artificial extremophiles
- Produce bricks from agglutinated regolith and biomining
- Testing on high altitude balloons
Requirements
Current projects in the lab range from re-evolving proteins and creating artificial extremophiles, to producing bricks from agglutinated regolith and biomining. In-house capabilities include testing on high altitude balloons.
In the past year, the lab has hosted the award-winning Stanford-Brown iGEM team, whose wikis provide additional background in lab activities.
http://2011.igem.org/Team:Brown-Stanford
http://2012.igem.org/Team:Stanford-Brown
Qualifications
A candidate should have completed a doctoral degree in Biological Sciences or a related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates must have received their Ph.D. within the last five years at the time of appointment.
Skills
Experience with synthetic biology techniques, ability to work independently and collaboratively, strong communication skills.
Benefits
The NPP offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plan, and relocation assistance.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 per year.
Schedule
The fellowship is a one- to three-year appointment, starting as early as July 2027.
Contact Information
For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.
Point of Contact
Mikeala