Geological fluid processes on other worlds

Organization
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code
0078-NPP-MAR26-JPL-PlanetSci
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:

This program focuses on interpretation and modeling of geological fluid mechanical processes on other worlds, especially (cryo-)volcanic and hydrologic, using a combination of remote sensing techniques, terrestrial analog studies, geological interpretation, laboratory measurements and physical modeling. Dr. Mitchell has a particular interest in coupled evolution of geologic fluid pathways, including volcanic vents, hydrological channels and caves, and associated hypothesis-driven science requirements for the formulation of future missions to icy worlds.  However, he prefers to encourage candidates that pursue their own ideas, as long as there is sufficient overlap with his interests and capabilities.  Examples include studies of the how Enceladus’ jets and plume are erupted, the nature of karst-like processes on Titan, the viability of cryovolcanism on relatively unexplored worlds especially the moons of Uranus, and the formation of plumes and enigmatic landforms on Neptune’s captured moon Triton.  


Location:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California

Field of Science:Planetary Science

Advisors:
Karl Mitchell
Karl.L.Mitchell@jpl.nasa.gov
818-393-5519

 

 

 

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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