Solar System Exploration: Theoretical and Observational Studies in Astrochemistry

Solar System Exploration:
Theoretical and Observational Studies in Astrochemistry

Join to apply for the Solar System Exploration:
Theoretical and Observational Studies in Astrochemistry role at ORAU
.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

0115-NPP-MAR
26-GSFC-Planet Sci

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).

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

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

Our research group undertakes research in astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics aimed at understanding those astronomical environments that are to be studied by current and future NASA missions. We are particularly interested in the chemical connections between different stages in the Galactic evolution of matter, specifically issues related to the birth and death of stars, the formation and evolution of the Solar System, and prebiotic chemistry.

Our theoretical work involves identifying and understanding the basic chemical processes that drive gas-phase and solid-phase chemistry in different extraterrestrial environments. We then apply these concepts to construct detailed computer models of various astronomical sources. The theoretical models involve either numerical integration of large systems of differential equations describing combined dynamical-chemical evolution, as in the case of cometary comae, or involving stochastic simulation using Monte Carlo algorithms, as in the case of catalytic reactions on astronomical dust particles.

We are interested in the chemistry of the interstellar molecular clouds that give birth to both massive and low-mass stars, and the effects these young stars have on their surroundings. Associated with the collapse of a molecular cloud core to form a star like the Sun, is the formation of an orbiting disk of gas and dust which eventually evolves into a planetary system.

Chemical models are under development which will allow us to follow the chemical evolution of interstellar material as it becomes incorporated into these disks. We are also constructing models of chemical evolution in protoplanetary disks for comparison with current and future astronomical observations. We are particularly interested in the record of chemistry in the protosolar nebula that is contained in primitive Solar System matter, such as asteroids, meteorites and comets, and so many of our models incorporate detailed isotopic fractionation chemistries.

A strong focus is given to understanding the formation of organic molecules as this is directly relevant for astrobiology. The cometary populations probably contain some of the most pristine materials in the Solar System. Remote observations of cometary molecules probe directly the gaseous coma as it outgasses from the nucleus of dust and ice. A significant effort at GSFC is in the development of a coma chemistry code and applying it to understand the data both from ground‑based observations and from comet rendezvous space missions.

A model of the physical and chemical evolution of the cometary nucleus is also under development. When stars like the Sun begin to die they first evolve into red giants and then evolve along the Asymptotic Giant Branch. Red giants form massive, chemically‑rich, circumstellar envelopes and are copious producers of dust grains and complex molecules. Detailed dynamical‑chemical modeling is undertaken to understand the molecular processes that occur both in the dust formation zone and in the outer envelopes as dust and gas flow out into the interstellar medium.

These models are directly applicable to the interpretation of data now being returned by the Herschel Space Observatory. Opportunities for theoretical research exist in several areas and proposals that offer the possibility of cross‑fertilization between these are encouraged. We also are active in using radio telescopes to study the chemistry of these…