Astrobiology of Ocean Worlds Job Riverside area,California USA,Research/Development

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0117-NPP-NOV
26-ARC-Astrobio

Final date to receive applications

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

Description

The 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.

This opportunity is to address gaps in understanding biological and biosignature potential in Ocean Worlds such as Enceladus and Europa. The proposed work leverages Ames’ historical strengths in characterizing organism/environment interactions in planetary analog environments at scales ranging from cellular to ecosystem to planetary. Activities include characterizing the influence of environmental factors on biological and biosignature potential at a physiological level, collecting and analyzing data from planetary analog environments, and developing metabolic and physiological models that allow to constrain rates of metabolisms, metabolic energy production, growth rates, and biosignature production rates.

Empirical and numerical data will be used test specific hypotheses regarding the biotic (e.g., genetic adaptations) and abiotic (e.g., pH, temperature, energy flux, humidity, nutrients) factors that might promote or limit life on Ocean Worlds, to aid in prioritizing targets and help define measurement and instrument requirements for future life detection missions.

Field of Science

Astrobiology

Advisors

Alfonso Davila

Alfonso.davila

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

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

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

Degree:
Doctoral Degree.