Nuclear Fuels and Materials Development for Space Nuclear Propulsion

The NASA Postdoctoral Program 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 position involves nuclear fuel design and development to support NASA's Space Nuclear Propulsion Program. The opening emphasizes research, fabrication, and testing of nuclear fuels and materials of interest at elevated temperatures and under a hot hydrogen environment. The synthesis of materials of interest includes nuclear fuels, refractory metals, and ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC's). Samples will be analyzed and undergo characterization activities including microscopy, combustion, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The position involves collaborative activities with the U.S. Dept of Energy National Laboratories, private sector, and academia.