VOLATILES: FROM GIANT IMPACTS TO ICY SHADOWS

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

• Conduct research aligned with the goals of the NASA Postdoctoral Program, focusing on the formation and evolution of planetary bodies through various analytical techniques including SIMS, CRDS, AMS, FTIR, GC-MS, and QMS.
• Collaborate with a team of planetary scientists, chemists, and engineers to analyze astromaterials and synthetic analog samples.
• Engage in projects related to ice/rock interactions, robotic sample-handling, and Artemis sample return activities.
• Develop and apply new analytical methods to study volatile elements and their isotopes in planetary materials.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in geoscience, chemistry, planetary science, or related fields.
• Interest in cutting-edge planetary science problems.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, geology, or related fields.

Qualifications

• Experience with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS), accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS).
• Knowledge of thermochemical modeling and experimental exploration of ice/rock interactions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

• Advanced analytical skills, particularly in SIMS, CRDS, AMS, FTIR, GC-MS, and QMS.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• Inclusive and supportive environment for diverse scientific inquiry.

Pay

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• The program is typically one to three years in duration.

Contact Information

To learn more about the program or to discuss proposal opportunities, please contact the Principal Investigator (PI):

• Jeremy Boyce
• jeremy.w.boyce@nasa.gov
• (281) 483-1275

For questions about this opportunity, please email:

• npp@orau.org