ORAU
Astrophysics: Extrasolar Planets and Planet Formation: Theory and Observations
ORAU, Greenbelt, Maryland, us, 20771
Astrophysics: Extrasolar Planets and Planet Formation: Theory and Observations
Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0092-NPP-MAR26-GSFC-Astrophys
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)
Research proposal
Three letters of recommendation
Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline
3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
Our group pursues theoretical and observational studies of extrasolar planetary systems, both mature ones and those in the process of forming.
Theoretical work includes modelling of planet formation and planet‑disk interactions, studying the dynamics of planetary systems, designing high‑contrast imaging instruments, and understanding the range of exoplanet properties.
Observational work includes studies of protoplanetary and debris disk abundances and compositions using UV to sub‑mm spectroscopy, as well as searches for planets and disks around nearby stars using coronagraphic imaging.
For our observational studies, we use a wide variety of telescopes and instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, the James Webb Space Telescope, and ground‑based coronagraphs.
We also pursue science studies in support of future space telescopes aimed at direct detection and characterization of extrasolar planets.
Location
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Field of Science
Astrophysics
Advisors
Aki Roberge aki.roberge-1@nasa.gov 301-286-2967
Avi Mandell Avi.Mandell@nasa.gov 301-286-6293
Mike McElwain Michael.W.McElwain@nasa.gov 301-286-6094
William C. Danchi William.C.Danchi@nasa.gov 301-286-4586
Elisa Quintana elisa.quintana@nasa.gov 301.286.0851
Christopher Stark christopher.c.stark@nasa.gov (240) 441-1896
Neil Zimmerman neil.t.zimmerman@nasa.gov 301-286-3328
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
Eligibility Requirements
Degree: Doctoral Degree.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0092-NPP-MAR26-GSFC-Astrophys
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)
Research proposal
Three letters of recommendation
Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline
3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
Our group pursues theoretical and observational studies of extrasolar planetary systems, both mature ones and those in the process of forming.
Theoretical work includes modelling of planet formation and planet‑disk interactions, studying the dynamics of planetary systems, designing high‑contrast imaging instruments, and understanding the range of exoplanet properties.
Observational work includes studies of protoplanetary and debris disk abundances and compositions using UV to sub‑mm spectroscopy, as well as searches for planets and disks around nearby stars using coronagraphic imaging.
For our observational studies, we use a wide variety of telescopes and instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, the James Webb Space Telescope, and ground‑based coronagraphs.
We also pursue science studies in support of future space telescopes aimed at direct detection and characterization of extrasolar planets.
Location
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Field of Science
Astrophysics
Advisors
Aki Roberge aki.roberge-1@nasa.gov 301-286-2967
Avi Mandell Avi.Mandell@nasa.gov 301-286-6293
Mike McElwain Michael.W.McElwain@nasa.gov 301-286-6094
William C. Danchi William.C.Danchi@nasa.gov 301-286-4586
Elisa Quintana elisa.quintana@nasa.gov 301.286.0851
Christopher Stark christopher.c.stark@nasa.gov (240) 441-1896
Neil Zimmerman neil.t.zimmerman@nasa.gov 301-286-3328
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
Eligibility Requirements
Degree: Doctoral Degree.
#J-18808-Ljbffr