NASA Postdoctoral Program - Space Science: Laboratory Studies of Cosmic Ices, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Carbonaceous Molecules

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 laboratory and theoretical research studying the composition and physical and chemical properties of interstellar and planetary materials, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aerosols, and ice mantles on interstellar grains. Researchers will produce cosmic and planetary material analogs under realistic conditions and probe them using analytical techniques such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The research aims to provide quantitative information for interpreting astronomical observations, support analysis of extraterrestrial samples, guide instrument development for future missions, and improve astrophysical and planetary models. The position is located at Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, and is part of NASA's Astrobiology program.