What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planetary Analog Samples Study for Instrument Development by Laser Mass Spectrometry position at ORAU?
Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0253-NPP-NOV26-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:
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:
Proposals are invited to focus on planetary analog samples analysis by using various laser mass spectrometry methods, in support of instrument development in Planetary Environments Laboratory for current or future space missions to Mars, Ocean Worlds, and other airless bodies. Studies should take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (e.g., commercial and prototype ion trap and TOF mass spectrometers, facility GC-MS and LC-MS, cryo-sample testing stage, and fs-laser system) for the instrument protocol development and sample analysis. The targeted analog samples could be from a wide range (various minerals, complex organic biosignatures, organics spiked minerals, natural collected terrestrial analogs, and beyond), and the research goal should match the science objectives of NASA’s current and future missions, such as method development analyzing planetary surface samples.
Field of Science: Planetary Science
Advisors:
Xiang Li
xiang.li@nasa.gov
(443) 774-9388
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:
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications for the Ideal Applicant
The ideal candidate is required hold a Ph.D. in science, with a strong background in analytical or physical chemistry, by the start date of the postdoctoral research appointment. Additional requirements for the position include experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, laboratory instrument controls and programming, hands-on chemical handling and sample preparation, and basic knowledge of geochemistry and terrestrial analog environments.
Point of Contact
Mikeala
Eligibility Requirements
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0253-NPP-NOV26-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
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:
Proposals are invited to focus on planetary analog samples analysis by using various laser mass spectrometry methods, in support of instrument development in Planetary Environments Laboratory for current or future space missions to Mars, Ocean Worlds, and other airless bodies. Studies should take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (e.g., commercial and prototype ion trap and TOF mass spectrometers, facility GC-MS and LC-MS, cryo-sample testing stage, and fs-laser system) for the instrument protocol development and sample analysis. The targeted analog samples could be from a wide range (various minerals, complex organic biosignatures, organics spiked minerals, natural collected terrestrial analogs, and beyond), and the research goal should match the science objectives of NASA’s current and future missions, such as method development analyzing planetary surface samples.
Field of Science: Planetary Science
Advisors:
Xiang Li
xiang.li@nasa.gov
(443) 774-9388
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
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications for the Ideal Applicant
The ideal candidate is required hold a Ph.D. in science, with a strong background in analytical or physical chemistry, by the start date of the postdoctoral research appointment. Additional requirements for the position include experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, laboratory instrument controls and programming, hands-on chemical handling and sample preparation, and basic knowledge of geochemistry and terrestrial analog environments.
Point of Contact
Mikeala
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.