Space Science: Protoplanetary Disk Chemistry

Overview

NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

As part of an ongoing effort at NASA's Ames Research Center, protoplanetary disk thermo-chemical and dynamical models are being used to understand the evolution of disks to form planets, predict line emission and interpret disk observations. One of the main goals is to determine the role of aromatic chemistry and photolysis in disk evolution, in the chemical inventory available for planet formation, and in influencing disk lifetimes and planet formation timescales.

The principal task is to develop chemo-dynamical models by expanding on existing work to incorporate results from new, targeted laboratory experiments and quantum chemical theory, and to construct a new chemical network to study organics in disks. Interpreting observational data from ground and space-based facilities using the developed models will also be a key aspect of the work.

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California

Field of Science:
Astrophysics

Uma Gorti
uma.gorti-1

Eligibility:
Applications with citizens from 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)..

Eligibility is currently open to:

• 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. at the time of application with
  1) a valid EAD card and
  2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

0052-NPP-NOV
26-ARC-Astrophys

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).

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

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

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Mikeala

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp

• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.