NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Collaboration

The NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) accepts applications from individuals who propose to support one or more of the research areas currently covered by one of the U.S.-based SSERVI CAN-4 research teams. SSERVI is a virtual institute established to advance basic and applied lunar and planetary science research and to advance human exploration of the solar system through scientific discovery. The Institute builds bridges between SMD and HEOMD, destinations (comparative planetology), teams, teams and the wider scientific community, disciplines, international and domestic partners, and government and commercial partners. SSERVI provides scientific, technical and mission-defining analyses of the Moon, NEAs, Phobos and Deimos (Target Bodies) for relevant NASA programs, planning and space missions, including a Mars forward focus. Research topic areas include the role of Target Bodies in revealing the origin and evolution of the inner Solar System, planetary differentiation processes, near-Earth asteroid characterization, geotechnical properties and geophysics, sample science and geochemistry, regolith studies, dust and plasma interactions, radiation and space weathering, volatiles and potential resources, permanently shadowed region characterization, ISRU and prospecting, analog and robotic exploration, technology and instrumentation development, operations and operability including hazard analysis, human health and performance including transit, and innovative observations that will advance our understanding of the fundamental physical laws, composition, and origins of the Universe. This opportunity is part of the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP), which offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. 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.