EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope; EXCITE Experiment: Exoplanet atmospheric characteriz

The EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope (EXCITE) Experiment:
Exoplanet Atmospheric Characterization from a High Altitude Balloon

Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0304-NPP-MAR
26-GSFC-Astrophys

• Submit all applications in Zintellect.
• Follow the NASA Postdoctoral Program application instructions and requirements.
• Complete application includes: research proposal, three letters of recommendation, official doctoral transcript documents.

3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

The EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope (EXCITE) experiment is a 0.5m infrared spectrograph that flies from a high‑altitude balloon. EXCITE's primary science mission is to perform phase‑resolved spectroscopy of hot Jupiter‑type exoplanets in the near‑infrared. This moderate‑sized international collaboration partners governmental, academic, and private sector institutions in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Italy. EXCITE flew its North American engineering flight in August 2024 and is next preparing for a science flight from the Antarctic.

This opportunity will provide hands‑on research experience in the preparation and deployment of the EXCITE payload, with topics including infrared detectors and readout, cryogenics and cryocoolers, optics, data acquisition, balloon attitude control, science modeling, and science data analysis.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Peter Nagler
peter.c.nagler

Please email npp

The ideal candidate shall have a doctorate in physics/astrophysics, with specific experience in developing instrumentation for stratospheric balloon and/or space applications. The candidate shall have specialized experimental experience in at least one of the following topic areas: infrared detectors and readout, cryogenics and cryocoolers, infrared optics, balloon attitude control systems, exoplanet observational modeling, exoplanet observational data analysis. The candidate shall also have significant programming experience in a language such as Python, Matlab, or IDL.

The ideal candidate will also be experienced in mechanical design, with proficiency in Solid Works or equivalent.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.

Mikeala

Seniority level:
Internship

Employment type:

Full-time
Job function:
Other
Industries:
Government Administration

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