Weather and winds in outer planet atmospheres

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

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 atmospheres of the outer planets and some of their moons (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Titan, Triton) have remarkable differences and similarities to those of the inner planets. The giant planets and ice giants (J, S, U, N) are worlds with no surface, blisteringly fast winds, and occasional dramatic storms, as well as polar cyclones and myriad clouds decks of different hues. Their atmospheres are dominated by hydrogen, but with significant mixtures of other hydrogenated ices such as methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and other gases that condense at different levels. Titan and Triton on the other hand have nitrogen-dominated atmospheres like the Earth, with solid surfaces that form substrates for condensation; lakes, seas and rivers; and re-evaporation to form clouds and rain.

Field of Science

Planetary Science

Requirements

• Absolutely no applications from citizens from Designated Countries.
• Must have completed - or will have soon completed - a doctoral degree in math, physics, astronomy, chemistry, computer science or a related field.
• Must have completed an undergraduate degree in math, computer or physical science with a high GPA and strong reference letters.
• Must be able to demonstrate an intense interest and likely future career in space science.
• Must be able to work independently at times, be a problem solver, and able to work well either alone or in small team environments.
• Presentation of results at workshops and conferences is necessary, so prior presentation experience is helpful.
• Must have excellent written and spoken English, organizational and communication skills.
• Must be respectful and considerate of others in interactions at all times and contribute positively to culture at NASA.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status;
• 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

Skills

Excellent written and spoken English, organizational and communication skills.

Benefits

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.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A