Space Science: The Environments of Early Complex Life

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0053-NPP-MAR26-ARC-Astrobio
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:

  1. Research proposal
  2. Three letters of recommendation
  3. Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline
4/2/2026 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: The evolution of multicellular life occurred during a period of Earth history characterized by profound global change in the operation of Earth‘s biosphere. Geochemical records preserved in sedimentary rocks provide critical indicators of unprecedented shifts in the redox state of the ocean and atmosphere and the climate system at this time. To fully understand these changes and their potential influence on biology and global biogeochemical cycles requires detailed reconstructions of paleoenvironmental conditions from the rocks that are examined. The potential influence of post-depositional alteration must also be considered during interpretation of geochemical signals. To this end, this project involves developing mineralogical and geochemical tools for identifying the depositional conditions and environments of Precambrian sedimentary rocks and distinguishing primary versus secondary geochemical signals.

Location:
Ames Research Center
Moffet Field, California

Field of Science:Astrobiology

Advisors:
Thomas Bristow
thomas.f.bristow@nasa.gov
650-604-4665

Niki Parenteau
Mary.n.parenteau@nasa.gov
650.604.0784

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

Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
NPP
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