Post-Bac Positions in Instrument Modeling and Atmospheric Modeling for Exoplanet Spectroscopy

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, February 1, 2019
Archive Date: 
Friday, March 1, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Engineering
Institution Classification/Type: 
Government Agency
Institution/Company: 
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Department Name: 
Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory
Street Line 1: 
8800 Greenbelt Road
City: 
Greenbelt
State/Province: 
MD
Zip/Postal: 
20771
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Two post-bac research positions have opened to support an instrument modeling effort for future exo-Earth finding mission concepts:

1) Researcher #1 will assist in developing a Python software framework to simulate spectroscopic exoplanet data acquired with a suite of novel instrument technologies.

2) Researcher #2 will assist in developing planet atmosphere retrieval algorithms to examine the scientific return from simulated and future data products.

Results from these data simulations and analysis will facilitate design trade studies to inform technology investments and laboratory demonstrations.

Recent graduates with experience coding in Python to analyze or simulate data are invited to apply. We encourage applicants who are considering applying to a graduate program in astrophysics or related disciplines in the near future, who wish to expand their research experience in the interim. The desired start date is in the range March-June 2019, with an initial employment term of 6 months that will be extended to an annual renewal contingent on performance.

About our research laboratory

The Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center conducts research on the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems using advanced telescopes and theoretical techniques. The innovations and discoveries enabled here contribute to our understanding of our place in the universe, and guide the development of future missions that will search for Earth-like planets around other stars.

About CRESST

The successful candidates will be hired through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II), a collaboration between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Catholic University of America; Howard University; and Southeastern Universities Research Association. CRESST II researchers are integrally involved in research activities ongoing within NASA/Goddard’s Astrophysics Science and Solar System Exploration Divisions. CRESST II also works to increase the involvement of women and minorities in space science research and to facilitate university student participation in such research.

Requirements

•Soon or recent graduate with bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related engineering discipline;

•With experience in scientific Python programming;

•With 40 hours/week available to work on-site at NASA/Goddard; and

•Able to pass a security and background check in order to obtain a badge to access NASA/Goddard.

Instructions

To apply, please send an email and include the following:

  • Note your preference between the data simulation and atmospheric retrieval positions
  • CV
  • A work sample in the form of either a report, poster, or journal article, along with your associated source code.
  • The names and email addresses of 2 individuals who can act as references.
Application Deadline: 
Friday, March 1, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, April 12, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Neil Zimmerman
Title: 
Research Astrophysicist
Institution/Company: 
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Department Name: 
Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory
Street Line 1: 
8800 Greenbelt Road
City: 
Greenbelt
State/Province: 
MD
Zip/Postal Code: 
20771
Country: 
United States of America
Phone: 
301 286 3328
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Neil Zimmerman
Subject: 
exoplanet post-bac positions