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ORAU · 3 weeks ago

Planetary Analog Samples Study for Instrument Development by Laser Mass Spectrometry

Greenbelt, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

ORAU is part of the NASA Postdoctoral Program, which offers unique research opportunities for scientists to engage in NASA research projects. The role involves analyzing planetary analog samples using laser mass spectrometry methods to support instrument development for space missions.

Universities

Culture & Values

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Proposals are invited to focus on planetary analog samples analysis by using various laser mass spectrometry methods, in support of instrument development in Planetary Environments Laboratory for current or future space missions to Mars, Ocean Worlds, and other airless bodies

Studies should take advantage of existing mass spectrometry and related laboratory facilities (e.g., commercial and prototype ion trap and TOF mass spectrometers, facility GC-MS and LC-MS, cryo-sample testing stage, and fs-laser system) for the instrument protocol development and sample analysis

The targeted analog samples could be from a wide range (various minerals, complex organic biosignatures, organics spiked minerals, natural collected terrestrial analogs, and beyond), and the research goal should match the science objectives of NASA’s current and future missions, such as method development analyzing planetary surface samples

Qualification

Ph.D. in scienceAnalytical chemistryInstrument developmentMass spectrometryPulsed lasersHigh vacuum systemsLaboratory instrument controlsChemical handlingSample preparationGeochemistry knowledgeTerrestrial analog environments

Required

Ph.D. in science

Strong background in analytical or physical chemistry

Experience in instrument development and operation

Experience with pulsed lasers

Experience with high vacuum systems

Experience with mass spectrometry

Experience with laboratory instrument controls and programming

Hands-on chemical handling and sample preparation

Basic knowledge of geochemistry and terrestrial analog environments

Company

ORAU

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ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance research and education, protect public health and the environment and strengthen national security.

Founded in 1946