Solar System Exploration: -Resolution Spectroscopy of Comets at Infrared Wavelengths

Solar System Exploration:
High-Resolution Spectroscopy of Comets at Infrared Wavelengths

Organization
:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code
: 0036-NPP-MAR
26-GSFC-Planet Sci

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. A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Final date to receive applications
: 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

The 3‑5 micron spectral region contains fundamental ro‑vibrational bands of key molecules comprising the volatile (icy) component of the nuclei of comets. Using modern infrared echelle spectrometers at world‑class observatories permits direct measurement of the volatile component of comets. These instruments combine long‑slit coverage with sensitive array detectors having small pixels. This is necessary for discriminating between release of volatiles directly from the nucleus, as opposed to release from one or more sources in the cometary atmosphere (coma).

Because the ices are most sensitive to heating, their study provides clues to conditions prevalent in the early solar system and comets contain the best‑preserved remnant material from this epoch. Since 1996, we have measured abundances of seven native ices (water, carbon monoxide, methyl alcohol, ethane, methane, hydrogen cyanide, and acetylene) in eight long‑period comets, and we have measured additional molecules (formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbonyl sulfide) in some of these comets.

We will be targeting two long‑period comets and four short‑period comets over the next three years, and we expect additional long‑period comets to become available for study, as these are being discovered (or recovered) at a significant rate through observational survey programs as well as by amateur observers.

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Planetary Science

Michael DiSanti (Michael.

A.DiSanti, 301‑286‑7036)

Degree
:
Doctoral Degree.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• 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
  1) a valid EAD card and
  2) I‑485 or I‑589 forms in pending status.

Applications from citizens of 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp.