NASA Postdoctoral Program - Development of high-resolution, broadband Raman spectrometers for planetary exploration

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. This specific opportunity focuses on the development of high-resolution, broadband Raman spectrometers for planetary exploration at Goddard Space Flight Center. The research involves Raman spectroscopy, a powerful spectroscopic analysis technique applied to mineralogy, gemology, planetary exploration, and astrobiology. The work includes conception, research and development of in-situ and stand-off Raman systems for planetary surface detection on missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, and asteroids. The ideal candidate will participate in developing remote Raman systems with long detective distances for lander or rover exploration missions.