What are the responsibilities and job description for the Space Science: Mars Exploration position at ORAU?
Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0009-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:
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:
Multidisciplinary studies are requested to contribute to on-going and future Mars exploration opportunities. Several lines of investigation are prioritized, which include (1) development of strategies, methods and tools to search for evidence of life, present or past; (2) development and testing of instrument capabilities for the scientific exploration of Mars and for extreme environments on Earth; (3) use of terrestrial analog environments, simulation facilities and numerical models to advance fundamental understanding of the Martian atmosphere, surface and subsurface; (4) analysis of mission data; (5) research and policy development on planetary protection (prevention of harmful cross-contamination between Earth and Mars); (6) research on the geological history of Mars and identification of landing sites optimized for science and human exploration; and (7) establishment of an easily accessible, electronic information base for Mars exploration. This opportunity is tightly coupled to related opportunities entitled ""Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Planetary Atmospheres""; ""Mars Surface Composition and Aqueous Processes""; ""Mars Fluvial Studies and Exploration""; ""Drill and Sample Handling Technology for Mars Research""; and Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Martian Environment, Impact Assessment for Future Mars Missions"".
Location:
Ames Research Center
Moffet Field, California
Field of Science:Planetary Science
Advisors:
Alfonso Davila
alfonso.davila@nasa.gov
650-604-0695
Jennifer Heldmann
Jennifer.Heldmann@nasa.gov
650-604-5530
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:
Point of Contact
Mikeala
Eligibility Requirements
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0009-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
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:
Multidisciplinary studies are requested to contribute to on-going and future Mars exploration opportunities. Several lines of investigation are prioritized, which include (1) development of strategies, methods and tools to search for evidence of life, present or past; (2) development and testing of instrument capabilities for the scientific exploration of Mars and for extreme environments on Earth; (3) use of terrestrial analog environments, simulation facilities and numerical models to advance fundamental understanding of the Martian atmosphere, surface and subsurface; (4) analysis of mission data; (5) research and policy development on planetary protection (prevention of harmful cross-contamination between Earth and Mars); (6) research on the geological history of Mars and identification of landing sites optimized for science and human exploration; and (7) establishment of an easily accessible, electronic information base for Mars exploration. This opportunity is tightly coupled to related opportunities entitled ""Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Planetary Atmospheres""; ""Mars Surface Composition and Aqueous Processes""; ""Mars Fluvial Studies and Exploration""; ""Drill and Sample Handling Technology for Mars Research""; and Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Martian Environment, Impact Assessment for Future Mars Missions"".
Location:
Ames Research Center
Moffet Field, California
Field of Science:Planetary Science
Advisors:
Alfonso Davila
alfonso.davila@nasa.gov
650-604-0695
Jennifer Heldmann
Jennifer.Heldmann@nasa.gov
650-604-5530
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
Point of Contact
Mikeala
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.