Laboratory Astrophysics: experimental, theoretical, modeling, and/or database research

Organization National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Reference Code 0121-NPP-NOV26-ARC-Astrophys Application Deadline 11/1/2026 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 scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or NASA‑affiliated research institute. These fellowships are 1‑ to 3‑year competitive positions designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. Context Laboratory Astrophysics is a core capability at NASA Ames Research Center. Laboratory experiments and quantum‑chemical computations that simulate astrophysical conditions produce data used to interpret observations from NASA missions. The Directed Work Package supports two science themes: 1) The PAH Universe, 2) From Nano‑grains to Carbonaceous Dust Grains. Data are provided through three databases: PAHdb, OCdb, and Nanograindb. Opportunity We are looking to expand our team with a postdoctoral researcher to support any of the following tasks: Production of gas‑phase and solid‑phase analogs of cosmic molecules and grains, exoplanetary aerosols, and protoplanetary disk materials using plasma expansion; requires experience with plasma physics and vacuum techniques. Spectral characterization of low‑temperature molecules and ions with cavity ring‑down spectroscopy and reflectron time‑of‑flight mass spectrometry; requires laser spectroscopy in UV‑Visible‑NIR and MIR ranges, jet expansions, molecular beams, plasma physics, and vacuum instrumentation. Spectral and morphological characterization of laboratory‑generated solids using scanning electron microscopy, UV‑FIR spectroscopy and other techniques; requires ex‑situ diagnostics for solid materials. Determination of optical constants of organic refractory materials and ices from visible to far infrared; requires development of variable‑angle transmission and reflectance techniques and data analysis using Python and IDL. Development of the Nanograindb infrastructure, creating libraries of spectra and morphological data, and developing software tools for modeling nanograin emission spectra and comparison with observations. Involvement in planning and executing JWST observations; requires familiarity with JWST data analysis, proficiency using Python, and optional experience with JWST data reduction. For all tasks, candidates are expected to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences. Field of Science Astrophysics Advisors Ella Sciamma‑O'Brien – View email address on click.appcast.io – View phone number on click.appcast.io Farid Salama – View email address on click.appcast.io – View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 Eligibility U.S. Citizens U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status Questions about this opportunity? Please email View email address on click.appcast.io Point of Contact Mikeala Eligibility Requirements Doctoral Degree #J-18808-Ljbffr ORAU