X-Ray Astrophysics of Supernova Remnants

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

X-ray spectroscopy and imaging of supernova remnants are providing crucial information about their underlying physics, origin, and evolution. Observations with the current generation of X-ray observatories, Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR, are making possible deeper understanding of the conditions in the forward- and reverse-shock heated gas, the pre-explosion progenitor evolution, the explosion mechanism, ejecta abundances, and the acceleration of relativistic particles by the forward shock. In particular, proper motion studies of the forward shock and the ejecta using Chandra have provided insights into the degree of symmetry of the supernova explosion. Our research program utilizes data from current and past X-ray observatories to investigate virtually all aspects of supernova remnant dynamics and evolution, and to frame questions to be answered by the upcoming JAXA/NASA X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

• Brian J Williams
  Email: brian.j.williams@nasa.gov
  Phone: (301) 614-5085

Eligibility

• 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

Questions

Please email npp@orau.org for inquiries.

Application Requirements

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

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

Qualifications

Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!