ORAU
Measuring Present-day Dune Formation on Mars
ORAU, Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Measuring Present-day Dune Formation on Mars
Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code:
0284-NPP-MAR26-JPL-PlanetSci
Application Deadline:
3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
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 (https://orau.org). A complete application includes a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcript documents.
Description The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers research opportunities to engage in NASA research projects at a NASA Center, Headquarters, or affiliated institute. This fellowship (1–3 years) supports research in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
Research focus: Investigation through aeolian/geomorphological modeling of present‑day formation of protodunes (sand patches that become dunes) on Mars. Protodune studies improve the interpretation of dune distribution and activity, constrain sand flux estimates over seasonal timescales, and inform wind patterns, erosion rates, exposure times, and contamination studies. The work builds on prior research, e.g., Baddock et al. (2018).
Field of Science
Planetary Science
Advisors Serina Diniega serina.diniega@jpl.nasa.gov (626) 720-7293
Eligibility
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and pending I-485 or I-589 forms
Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted 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.
Qualifications
Experience with bedform evolution and/or sand flux models over ripples and/or dunes
Familiarity with aeolian process/wind model(s) application in Mars/planetary studies
Familiarity with relevant Martian observation datasets
Eligibility Requirements
Doctoral Degree
Questions about this opportunity?
Please email npp@orau.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code:
0284-NPP-MAR26-JPL-PlanetSci
Application Deadline:
3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
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 (https://orau.org). A complete application includes a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcript documents.
Description The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers research opportunities to engage in NASA research projects at a NASA Center, Headquarters, or affiliated institute. This fellowship (1–3 years) supports research in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
Research focus: Investigation through aeolian/geomorphological modeling of present‑day formation of protodunes (sand patches that become dunes) on Mars. Protodune studies improve the interpretation of dune distribution and activity, constrain sand flux estimates over seasonal timescales, and inform wind patterns, erosion rates, exposure times, and contamination studies. The work builds on prior research, e.g., Baddock et al. (2018).
Field of Science
Planetary Science
Advisors Serina Diniega serina.diniega@jpl.nasa.gov (626) 720-7293
Eligibility
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and pending I-485 or I-589 forms
Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted 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.
Qualifications
Experience with bedform evolution and/or sand flux models over ripples and/or dunes
Familiarity with aeolian process/wind model(s) application in Mars/planetary studies
Familiarity with relevant Martian observation datasets
Eligibility Requirements
Doctoral Degree
Questions about this opportunity?
Please email npp@orau.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr