Organic Complexity Patterns for Life Detection

Organization National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Reference Code 0242-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrobio 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) Application Requirements Research proposal Three letters of recommendation Official doctoral transcript documents Application Deadline 11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone Description 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 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. Proposals are invited that focus on agnostic biosignature frameworks that investigate organic molecular patterns that can be used to understand the source and physicochemical history of naturally occurring suites of compounds. Potential research projects will explore molecular complexity metrics that can differentiate between biological and abiotic reaction products. This research could encompass methodological as well as analytical elements that inform organic detection and interpretation of planetary analog materials, which could include abiotic organic samples (extraterrestrial materials, prebiotic reaction products), biological organic samples, degraded biological organic matter, and environmental samples with mixed organic sources or properties related to targeted solar system objects. Studies should take advantage of existing ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry laboratory capability for the molecular analysis of organic molecules in geological, hydrological, and biological samples. They may also leverage sample preparation facilities designed for trace‑organic studies such as cryomill, accelerated solvent extraction, SPE, and SPME, and HPLC for separation and purification. Specific research topics should address elements of the NASA Astrobiology Institute's roadmap, or supporting science for current and future missions, such as method development for detecting organics in surface samples from Mars, Titan, Enceladus, and Europa. Experience in organic geochemistry is preferred and research may include geobiological fieldwork. Experience with coding and scripting in the R environment is also an asset. Location Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland Field of Science Astrobiology Advisors Heather V Graham View email address on click.appcast.io View phone number on click.appcast.io Eligibility 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 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 a valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status. Contact Please email View email address on click.appcast.io Eligibility Requirements Degree: Doctoral Degree. #J-18808-Ljbffr ORAU