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The Pandora SmallSat: Multiwavelength Characterization of Exoplanets and their Host Stars

ORAU · Greenbelt, MD · 3 mo ago
Art & CreativeFull-time

About the role

The Pandora SmallSat is a flight project designed to study the atmospheres of exoplanets. It was selected as part of NASA's Astrophysics Pioneers Program, and would start science operation in 2025. The project aims to disentangle star and planet signals in transmission spectra to reliably determine exoplanet atmosphere compositions. Pandora will observe at least 20 exoplanets with sizes ranging from Earth-size to Jupiter-size and host stars spanning mid-K to late-M spectral types.

Description

The Pandora SmallSat is a unique research opportunity within NASA's Astrophysics Pioneers Program. The project leverages investments in other projects, including an all-aluminum 0.45-meter Cassegrain telescope design and a NIR sensor chip assembly from the James Webb Space Telescope. By design, Pandora has a diverse team, with over half of the mission leadership roles filled by early career scientists and engineers, demonstrating the high value of SmallSats for developing the next generation of space mission leaders.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, computer science, or a related discipline.
  • Prior experience with astronomical software development, exoplanet transmission spectroscopy, atmospheres simulations, cool star astronomy, stellar spectra, NIR observational astronomy with HST/JWST, data analysis, systematics correction, time-series astronomy, astronomy image simulation development, Python, supercomputing/cluster computing, open source coding practices, software packaging, documentation.

Skills

  • Experience with any of the following skills: astronomical software development, exoplanet transmission spectroscopy, atmospheres simulations, cool star astronomy, stellar spectra, NIR observational astronomy with HST/JWST, data analysis, systematics correction, time-series astronomy, astronomy image simulation development, Python, supercomputing/cluster computing, open source coding practices, software packaging, documentation.

Benefits

The Pandora SmallSat offers a unique research opportunity within NASA's Astrophysics Pioneers Program. The project leverages investments in other projects, including an all-aluminum 0.45-meter Cassegrain telescope design and a NIR sensor chip assembly from the James Webb Space Telescope. By design, Pandora has a diverse team, with over half of the mission leadership roles filled by early career scientists and engineers, demonstrating the high value of SmallSats for developing the next generation of space mission leaders.

Pay

The pay for this position is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and will be determined based on the needs of the project and the individual's availability.

Contact Information

For more information about the Pandora SmallSat, please contact:

  • Elisa Quintana - elisa.quintana@nasa.gov
  • Knicole Colon - knicole.colon@nasa.gov
  • Joshua Schlieder - joshua.e.schlieder@nasa.gov
  • Allison Youngblood - allison.a.youngblood@nasa.gov
  • Thomas Barclay - thomas.barclay@nasa.gov

Advisors

  • Elisa Quintana - elisa.quintana@nasa.gov
  • Knicole Colon - knicole.colon@nasa.gov
  • Joshua Schlieder - joshua.e.schlieder@nasa.gov
  • Allison Youngblood - allison.a.youngblood@nasa.gov
  • Thomas Barclay - thomas.barclay@nasa.gov

Field of Science

Astrophysics

ORAU

ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide valuable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel your career forward!

Application Instructions

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

Required Documents

  • Research proposal
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official doctoral transcript documents

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