ORAU
Laboratory Studies of Chemistry on Titan's Surface
ORAU, Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Laboratory Studies of Chemistry on Titan's Surface
Join the NASA Postdoctoral Program to conduct cutting‑edge research on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. We are looking for highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Responsibilities
Perform experiments to study chemical processes controlling the evolution and composition of Titan’s surface.
Use infrared, Raman and ultraviolet spectroscopies, optical microscopy, synchrotron X‑ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction to investigate solubility, precipitation, photochemistry, and low‑temperature thermal reactions.
Study the formation of organic co‑crystals at low temperature and the reactivity of carbon dioxide with amines to produce carbamic acid.
Develop ultraviolet and infrared fiber‑optic probes for in‑situ chemical characterization of Titan’s lakes.
Analyze data and publish findings.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, experimental physics, or a related field.
Experience in spectroscopy, ultrahigh‑vacuum techniques, and/or experimental physical chemistry is desired.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Eligibility and Application
U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status.
Applicants for lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee status in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms pending.
Mandatory drug testing during the appointment.
Application deadline: 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone.
All applications must be submitted through the NASA Postdoctoral Program portal. Required materials include a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcript documents.
Contact Robert Hodyss, Robert.P.Hodyss@jpl.nasa.gov – 818‑205‑4990
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Perform experiments to study chemical processes controlling the evolution and composition of Titan’s surface.
Use infrared, Raman and ultraviolet spectroscopies, optical microscopy, synchrotron X‑ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction to investigate solubility, precipitation, photochemistry, and low‑temperature thermal reactions.
Study the formation of organic co‑crystals at low temperature and the reactivity of carbon dioxide with amines to produce carbamic acid.
Develop ultraviolet and infrared fiber‑optic probes for in‑situ chemical characterization of Titan’s lakes.
Analyze data and publish findings.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, experimental physics, or a related field.
Experience in spectroscopy, ultrahigh‑vacuum techniques, and/or experimental physical chemistry is desired.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Eligibility and Application
U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status.
Applicants for lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee status in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms pending.
Mandatory drug testing during the appointment.
Application deadline: 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone.
All applications must be submitted through the NASA Postdoctoral Program portal. Required materials include a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcript documents.
Contact Robert Hodyss, Robert.P.Hodyss@jpl.nasa.gov – 818‑205‑4990
#J-18808-Ljbffr