Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job no: 495389

Work type: Faculty

Location: Greenbelt, MD

Categories: Interdisciplinary, Geography & Environmental Science

Center for Space Sciences and Technology (CSST)

November 3, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Associate with CSST at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This position will work at the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory (AAL) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) will include (1) routine analysis of organic compounds in carbonaceous meteorites, Martian meteorites, samples from asteroid Bennu returned by the OSIRIS-REx mission, and terrestrial analogs (2) life detection instrumentation development led by NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) for the Extractor for Chemical Analysis of Lipid Biomarkers in Regolith (ExCALi ), an autonomous fluidic extraction unit for Mars applications currently at TRL 4-5.

PhD in Geology or related field.

$88,650

A background check will be required.

UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Benefits offered align with type of position and may be prorated based on hours per week.

• Medical, Prescription and Dental Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Wellness opportunities & much more

See benefits summary for detailed information.

UMBC, an honors university serving more than 14,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, is one of two public universities in Maryland to achieve the “doctoral/research university-extensive” Carnegie classification. Located just outside Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, the campus is growing rapidly under dynamic leadership.

Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts ( (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

UMBC is an Aff... Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at  or MD TTY Relay Service between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.