Astrophysics: Galactic Nuclei and Starburst Galaxies

Astrophysics:
Active Galactic Nuclei and Starburst Galaxies

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0001-NPP-MAR
26-GSFC-Astrophys

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

Application Process: Submit a complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program via Zintellect. Application instructions and requirements can be found on the NASA Postdoctoral Program website.

Description: The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers one‑to‑three‑year fellowships at NASA Centers, Headquarters, or affiliated research institutes. The research focuses on multiwavelength (X‑ray, IR, optical, and radio) spectral and imaging studies of active galaxies (AGN), starburst galaxies, starburst‑AGN composite galaxies, and ultra luminous X‑ray sources. The work involves:

• Studying the iron K line and hard X‑ray continuum with Suzaku, RXTE, Chandra, XMM, and NuSTAR to discern properties of the accretion flow.
• Conducting AGN survey research that connects X‑ray properties with multiwavelength data to explore the black hole–host galaxy connection.
• Investigating starburst galaxies and composite galaxies to understand IR and X‑ray observations of the starburst–AGN connection, starburst outflows, AGN jets, and the evolution of massive black holes and nearby galaxies.
• Assisting with simulations of local and distant galaxies to help assess and formulate future X‑ray missions.

Pertinent references include recent work such as Sicilian et al. 2022, Tanner & Weaver 2022, Zhao et al. 2021, Fornasini et al. 2020, etc. (Detailed reference list omitted for brevity).

Location: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science: Astrophysics

Advisors:

• Kimberly Ann Weaver – kimberly.a.weaver –
• Andy Ptak – andrew.ptak –
• Francesca Civano – francesca.m.civano –

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. Citizens; U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
  Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status; and applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. with a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589 forms.
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.

Contact: For questions about this opportunity, please email npp or contact Mikeala (point of contact).

Additional Information: 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)..