General Astrophysics with the TESS Mission

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0199-NPP-NOV23-GSFC-Astrophys

Application Deadline

11/1/2023 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, TESS, is a NASA Explorer class mission that has been performing a wide-field nearly-all-sky survey since 2018 to search for transiting exoplanets around bright, nearby stars. With its capability for high-precision photometry in a broad red-optical bandpass, TESS has a rich data set that allows for a wide variety of time-domain astrophysics investigations beyond the discovery of transiting exoplanets. Examples of such investigations include the study of eclipsing binary stars, microlensing planets, stellar variability (e.g., rotation, flares, pulsations), extragalactic transients (e.g., supernovae, gravitational wave counterparts, AGN), and solar system objects (e.g., asteroids, comets).

We seek a postdoctoral candidate to use TESS data to pursue an astrophysics topic relevant to NASA's science goals and that goes beyond the original mission goal of transiting exoplanet discovery. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center also hosts several other time-domain astrophysics missions currently in operation (e.g., Swift, Fermi, NICER) and others in development (e.g., the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, LISA). Proposals that capitalize on more than one resource are encouraged.

Qualifications for this opportunity include a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, data science or a related discipline. Prior experience with time-domain astrophysics analyses, high-precision photometry, and other relevant skills are desirable.

Interested applicants should reach out to at least one of the advisors listed here in advance of the application deadline to express interest and discuss potential research projects.

Location:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science:Astrophysics

Advisors:
Joshua Schlieder
joshua.e.schlieder@nasa.gov
301 286 2584

Elisa Quintana
elisa.quintana@nasa.gov
301.286.0851

Knicole D. Colon
knicole.colon@nasa.gov
301.286.4560

Patricia T. Boyd
patricia.t.boyd@nasa.gov
(301) 204-6503

Eric D. Lopez
eric.d.lopez@nasa.gov
301-614-6951

Richard Barry
richard.k.barry@nasa.gov
301-286-1753

Allison Youngblood
allison.a.youngblood@nasa.gov
301-286-6318

Thomas Barclay
thomas.barclay@nasa.gov
301.286.5079

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://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.

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

Eligibility Requirements

Degree: Doctoral Degree.

ORAU Pathfinder

Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!

Visit ORAU Pathfinder

Download PDF