The origin of exoplanets with JWST and future far-infrared space telescopes
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:
- Research proposal
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official doctoral transcript documents
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:
JWST is returning a treasure trove of spectroscopic data, leading a revolution in our understanding of the structure, dynamics, and chemistry of primary planet-forming regions in protoplanetary disks. Tracing water and organics, both in the solid and gas-phase, the data allow us to measure fundamental properties of the disks for direct comparison with observations of the chemical make-up of exoplanetary atmospheres. We are seeking applicants to work with extensive near- to mid-infrared spectroscopic data from JWST and SPHEREx as part of the JDISCS collaboration. The analyses include retrievals of parameters such as molecular abundances, and interpretation using state-of-the-art radiative transfer and chemical models. The results of the work inform the development of future far-infrared space missions, including the Far-Infrared Probe concept, PRIMA. We particularly encourage applicants with interests in processing and analysis of large data sets, development of scientific software, data pipelines, applied radiative transfer, and/or precise calibration of astrophysical data.
Relevant references:
- JWST data: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024ApJ...963..158P/abstract
- JDISCS: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025AJ....170...67A/abstract
- Future far-infrared observations: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025JATIS..11c1635P/abstract
Field of Science: Astrophysics
Advisors:
Klaus Pontoppidan
klaus.m.pontoppidan@jpl.nasa.gov
(626) 429-7948
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:
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U.S. Citizens;
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U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
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Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
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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
PhD in astronomy/astrophysics/astrochemistry/planetary science. Applicants with experience with Python, git/github, ai-leveraged software development, radiative transfer or chemical codes, and/or infrared imaging and spectroscopy are encouraged to apply. Enthusiasm for working as part of a large collaboration/team is important.
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.
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