ORAU
Solar System: Development of Protocols and Techniques for Analysis of Planetary
ORAU, Greenbelt, Maryland, us, 20771
Solar System: Development of Protocols and Techniques for Analysis of Planetary Materials and Analogs Using Laser Mass Spectrometry
Organization : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code : 0107‑NPP‑MAR26‑GSFC‑PlanetSci
How to Apply : All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application includes: Research proposal Three letters of recommendation Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline : March 1, 2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description Proposals are invited that focus on developing novel approaches, techniques, and protocols for analyzing the chemical, organic, and isotopic composition of planetary materials using laser mass spectrometry along with associated or complementary techniques. The development of analytical protocols may also be used in fundamental studies for astrobiology and exobiology where laser mass spectrometry of solid‑phase samples plays a central role.
Research Topics (examples)
Development and testing of novel laser‑based ion sources and/or analytical protocols for mass spectrometers, including prompt and/or post‑ionization, chemical imaging, stigmatic ion extraction, and pulsed ion gating.
Analysis of complex non‑volatile organics in natural and synthetic analog samples (e.g., for Mars or Titan), standards, and meteorites, including combined use of laser and non‑laser methods.
Application of pulsed laser irradiation and cluster formation to simulate hypervelocity impact plasma chemical synthesis.
Studies will take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (laser TOF‑MS prototypes, neutral and plasma‑sampling mass and energy analyzers, GC‑MS, LC‑MS). Sample preparation facilities such as precision subsampling tools will also be utilized. Topics should address elements of the NASA Astrobiology roadmap or support science for current and future missions such as analysis of surface samples on Mars, Titan, Enceladus, and Europa.
Responsibilities Develop and implement instrument protocols, perform laboratory analyses, simulate impact scenarios, calibrate laser and non‑laser methods, and publish findings. Collaborate with colleagues at NASA and partner institutions.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in planetary science, physics, chemistry, or related field.
Experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high‑vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, ion optics, detectors, laboratory instrument controls, and programming.
Strong analytical and research skills with a track record of high‑quality publications.
Location Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Advisors William Brinckerhoff – william.b.brinckerhoff@nasa.gov – 301‑614‑6397
Eligibility U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa, and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees with valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589.
Contact Questions? Email npp@orau.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reference Code : 0107‑NPP‑MAR26‑GSFC‑PlanetSci
How to Apply : All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements. A complete application includes: Research proposal Three letters of recommendation Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline : March 1, 2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description Proposals are invited that focus on developing novel approaches, techniques, and protocols for analyzing the chemical, organic, and isotopic composition of planetary materials using laser mass spectrometry along with associated or complementary techniques. The development of analytical protocols may also be used in fundamental studies for astrobiology and exobiology where laser mass spectrometry of solid‑phase samples plays a central role.
Research Topics (examples)
Development and testing of novel laser‑based ion sources and/or analytical protocols for mass spectrometers, including prompt and/or post‑ionization, chemical imaging, stigmatic ion extraction, and pulsed ion gating.
Analysis of complex non‑volatile organics in natural and synthetic analog samples (e.g., for Mars or Titan), standards, and meteorites, including combined use of laser and non‑laser methods.
Application of pulsed laser irradiation and cluster formation to simulate hypervelocity impact plasma chemical synthesis.
Studies will take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (laser TOF‑MS prototypes, neutral and plasma‑sampling mass and energy analyzers, GC‑MS, LC‑MS). Sample preparation facilities such as precision subsampling tools will also be utilized. Topics should address elements of the NASA Astrobiology roadmap or support science for current and future missions such as analysis of surface samples on Mars, Titan, Enceladus, and Europa.
Responsibilities Develop and implement instrument protocols, perform laboratory analyses, simulate impact scenarios, calibrate laser and non‑laser methods, and publish findings. Collaborate with colleagues at NASA and partner institutions.
Qualifications
Doctoral degree in planetary science, physics, chemistry, or related field.
Experience in instrument development and operation, pulsed lasers, high‑vacuum systems, mass spectrometry, ion optics, detectors, laboratory instrument controls, and programming.
Strong analytical and research skills with a track record of high‑quality publications.
Location Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Advisors William Brinckerhoff – william.b.brinckerhoff@nasa.gov – 301‑614‑6397
Eligibility U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa, and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees with valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589.
Contact Questions? Email npp@orau.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr