Space Science: Exoplanet Science and Technology Development

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0034-NPP-NOV26-ARC-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

11/1/2026 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:

Ames scientists are actively involved in theoretical computation of extrasolar planet atmospheres, predicting exoplanet spectra, conducting and interpreting exoplanet observations, planning future observations, and developing technology for future exoplanet missions.

Atmospheric models and spectra are being developed for giant planets, terrestrial planets, and brown dwarfs. These are being applied to interpret spectroscopic observations made by the Spitzer Space Telescope and to plan future observatories.

Theoretical models of multi-planet solar systems are being used to interpret ground-based radial velocity observations. This work has resulted in the discovery of new planets and some of the least massive known exoplanets.

Ames is also planning and studying exoplanet observations with future NASA missions, including data from NASA's Kepler mission, the James Webb Space Telescope, and future coronagraphic and transiting exoplanet missions.

Finally, Ames is putting significant effort into developing a high contrast imaging testbed for an eventual mission to image exoplanets with a coronagraphic space telescope. This testbed includes a high performance Phase-Induced Amplitude Apodization (PIAA) coronagraph and a wavefront control system utilizing MEMS deformable mirrors. There are opportunities for participating in this effort in a variety of areas, including optical analysis and alignment, wavefront control, and coronagraph system modeling.

Location:

Ames Research Center

Moffet Field, California

Field of Science:Planetary Science

Advisors:

Natasha Batalha

natasha.e.batalha@nasa.gov

650-604-2813

Ruslan Belikov

ruslan.belikov@nasa.gov

650-604-0833

Jessie Dotson

jessie.dotson@nasa.gov

(650)448-7514

Sonny Harman

sonny.harman@nasa.gov

650-604-1671

Jack Lissauer

Jack.Lissauer@nasa.gov

650-604-2293

Mark Marley

Mark.S.Marley@nasa.gov

650-604-0805

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.