NASA Postdoctoral Program - Sensor Technology

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. This specific opportunity focuses on sensor research to develop minimally intrusive, multifunctional, miniaturized smart sensors including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and MEMS type structures for use in harsh environments. Research focuses on measurement of parameters such as surface temperature, strain, pressure, chemical species, gas temperature, gas flow, turbulence, and heat flux on propulsion system materials and components. The control sensor work aims to develop long-life sensors to measure temperature, strain, pressure, cracking, and chemical species to provide information on engine conditions, continuously monitor engine health, control emissions, and provide early warning for serious breakdowns in engine structural integrity.