Microfluidic electrochemical sensor instrument development detection and habitability

Microfluidic electrochemical sensor instrument development for life detection and habitability science

ORAU, a NASA partner, is inviting applications for the Postdoctoral position focusing on microfluidic instrumentation with electrochemical sensors for life detection and habitability studies.

Reference Code: 0280-NPP-MAR
26-JPL-Tech Dev

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

How to Apply: All applications must be submitted through Zintellect and include the following:

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

Description: The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers highly talented scientists the opportunity to engage in ongoing NASA research at a NASA Center or affiliated institute. This fellowship focuses on developing microfluidic instruments that use electrochemical sensors to measure soluble properties of samples supporting life detection. The research builds on successes such as the Wet Chemistry Lab on the Mars Phoenix Lander and the development of miniature solid‑contact ion selective electrodes.

Ongoing work involves miniaturizing sensors via 2D and 3D fabrication, reducing sample volume, expanding detectable targets, and improving reliability through calibration‑free designs.

Field of Science: Technology Development

Advisors: Aaron Noell (anoella.gov; )

Eligibility Requirements: Doctoral Degree

Qualifications: Candidates should possess strong laboratory and/or instrumentation skills with experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry instrumentation, electrochemistry, sensor fabrication, ion selective electrodes, and microfluidic device manufacturing.

Points of Contact: Mikeala; email: npp