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)

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:

Our group pursues theoretical and observational studies of extrasolar planetary systems, both mature ones and those in the process of forming. Theoretical work includes modeling 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

Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
NPP
ORISE ORAU Pathfinder
ORISE

Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!