Optics: Advanced X-Ray Optics

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0006-NPP-NOV26-MSFC-Astrophys

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

11/1/2026 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 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:

X-ray optics has revolutionized the field of X-ray astronomy. Images from the Chandra observatory provide unprecedented detail to aid in our understanding of the cosmos. Future missions will demand even higher angular resolutions and lighter weight optics and these in turn will demand new approaches to X-ray mirror fabrication, assembly, and test. The goal of this work is to explore promising avenues for achieving higher angular resolution, support mission and telescope design (ray tracing, optical assembly design, etc.), and X-ray calibration and testing (including metrology). This work will entail an analysis of factors limiting mirrors made with existing technologies and investigations of modified or new approaches that will enable high-throughput, very lightweight, meter-class optics with arc-second or better angular resolution.

Location:

Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, Alabama

Field of Science: Astrophysics

Advisors:

Wayne Baumgartner

wayne.baumgartner@nasa.gov

256-961-7448

Jessica A. Gaskin

jessica.gaskin@nasa.gov

(256) 961-7818

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

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.