Mass Spectrometry of Lunar Volatiles

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0252-NPP-NOV24-GSFC-PlanetSci

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents
  
  

Application Deadline

11/1/2024 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. 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.

Description:

This opportunity is for the development of models and data analysis using mass spectrometers on the Moon to improve our understanding of volatiles (e.g., water, nitrogen, noble gases) in the lunar exosphere and lunar soils. The opportunity will consider the origin and provenance of volatiles measured by the Peregrine Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS) on Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission-1 and the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo) on the VIPER mission. It is expected that these research problems be addressed using a combination of modeling of volatile sources and isotopic signatures, data analysis from these instruments, and collaborating with datasets from other instruments. The incumbent will gain hands-on experience by participating in the flight operation of these instruments to collect, analyze, and archive data. The incumbent will be expected to present results at appropriate conferences and in peer-reviewed publications. Key skill sets include data analysis, statistical analysis, mass spectrometry, and interest in / familiarity with volatile species in the solar system.

Field of Science: Planetary Science

Advisors:

Barbara Cohen

barbara.a.cohen@nasa.gov

(301) 614-6803

Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status
  
  

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.