Stellar and Exoplanet science Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat; SPARCS

NASA Postdoctoral Program – SPARCS (Star-Planet Activity Research Cube Sat)

The SPARCS team invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an innovative and interdisciplinary mission at the forefront of ultraviolet (UV) astrophysics, exoplanet habitability studies, and small satellite technology and operations.

SPARCS is a NASA‑funded 6U Cube Sat designed to monitor UV variability from low‑mass stars (K and M dwarfs) to understand how stellar activity—particularly flares—shapes the atmospheres and habitability of orbiting exoplanets. Launching in late 2025, the mission’s primary goal is to conduct long‑duration stares (5–40 days) of ~20 stars in two UV bands (153–171 nm and 260–300 nm) over a one‑year primary mission period.

• Analyze flare data and contextualize findings to planet habitability.
• Contribute to all aspects of the mission, including science analysis, engineering process improvement, and data processing.
• Develop and apply customizable research plans aligned with personal interests.

• Ph.D. in astrophysics, planetary science, or a related discipline (by the beginning of the appointment).
• Experience with time‑domain astrophysics, UV or multi‑wavelength photometry, stellar astrophysics, or planetary atmospheric modeling.
• Strong expertise in astronomical data‑reduction pipelines, high‑reliability software systems, and detector calibration is strongly valued.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen.
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.

Point of Contact: Mikeala
Phone: Not provided

Advisors: David Ardila (david.r.ardilaa.gov, (626) 428‑1355), Mark Swain (Mark.

R.Swaina.gov, (818) 455‑2396)