Laboratory Chemistry Investigations of Planetary and Exoplanet Atmospheres

This NASA Postdoctoral Program fellowship focuses on experimental laboratory investigation of chemical reactions, photochemical processes, and spectroscopy important to planetary and exoplanet atmospheres. The research involves studying gas phase kinetics and photochemistry in the laboratory to produce experimentally derived parameters that drive complex computer models simulating atmospheric chemistry. At JPL, researchers use state-of-the-art techniques including pulsed laser photolysis combined with UV-VisIR absorption spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence and mass spectrometry to study reaction mechanisms and photochemical processes. The fellowship is designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. Research areas of particular interest include reactions that drive particle and haze formation, radical chemical cycles, and auto-oxidation. The opportunity involves working with interdisciplinary teams across Earth, Planetary and Exoplanet science through active collaborations with modeling and observing scientists.