Investigating Spectroscopic and X-ray Diffraction Properties of Mars Analog Sulfate Minerals

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 fellowships are competitive, lasting one to three years, and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Mars is a comparatively sulfur-rich planet. Extensive occurrences of sulfate minerals have been documented in Martian rocks and soils by orbital and ground-based spacecraft. These minerals provide important clues into the aqueous history and past and present conditions on the planet. This opportunity involves work to enhance knowledge of how environmental conditions affect the X‑ray diffraction characteristics of Ca, Mg, and Fe sulfates—minerals that are particularly abundant on Mars.

Planetary Science

Thomas Bristow
thomas.f.bristow

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with a valid EAD card and I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status
• Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.

• Doctoral Degree