"I would like to know how many natural satellites there are in each planet except Earth."
Astrobiology Careers
The Astrobiology Careers page is a compilation of career opportunities available to astrobiologists. Please email Estelle Dodson. to send additional listings.
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Astrobiology Ion Microprobe Research Associate, UW-Madison
The University of Wisconsin is seeking a creative and productive scientist to pursue novel applications of our new CAMECA ims1280 ion microprobe to Astrobiology.
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects of their own design in collaboration with the Wisconsin Astrobiology Research consortium. They will also conduct studies of sulfur four isotopes in Archean sediments and/or carbon isotopes in kerogen. One goal of these investigations is to establish stable isotope signatures of life
The WiscSIMS ims1280 is optimized for in situ analysis of stable isotope ratios (O, C, Mg, Si, S, Li, H, B, N, Ca, Fe). For oxygen...
Source: [University of Wisconsin]
May 6, 2009 / Posted by: Marco Boldt -
2009 Soffen Fund Travel Grant
The Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the first of two 2009 Travel Grant application opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in fields of space science and engineering.
The Travel Grants, in the amount of $500, enable student recipients to attend professional meetings to present their research. The first 2009 Travel Grant application deadline is April 1, 2009. Jerry Soffen, a biologist by training, led a distinguished career in NASA, including serving as the Project Scientist for Viking and as an architect for the NASA Astrobiology Institute. The Travel Grant...
Source: [NASA Academy]
February 20, 2009 / Posted by: Marco Boldt -
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Microbial Ecology/Physiology
The Arizona State University Astrobiology Team invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral Research Scientist (non-tenure track) position in Microbial Ecology/Physiology. The successful candidate will have a leading role in the research emphasis “The Stoichiometry of Life” which is aimed at understanding the fundamental relationships between the elemental composition of microbes and their environment, through investigations in the field, the laboratory, and the genomic and geologic records of the history of life.
For more information: http://astrobiology.asu.edu/Astrobiology/Opportunities/Entries/2009/1/30_Postdoctoral_Fellowship_in_Microbial_Ecology_Physiology.html
Source: [Arizona State University]
February 13, 2009 / Posted by: Marco Boldt -
Astrobiology Postdoctoral Position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Syracuse University
POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN ASTROBIOLOGY
NEW YORK CENTER FOR ASTROBIOLOGY
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITYThe New York Center for Astrobiology is hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in collaboration with researchers from the University at Albany, Syracuse University, the University of Arizona and the University of North Dakota. Following our recent selection as a member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, we anticipate openings for several postdoctoral researchers. Openings currently exist in groups working on the following topics: astronomical observations of ices and organic molecules in the interstellar...
January 8, 2009 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Translation Regulation
Immediate openings for enthusiastic Post-doctoral Fellows in the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The aim of our laboratory is to understand the molecular interactions that the ribosome makes with different regulatory factors at various stages of the translation cycle (Cell (2005) 123(7) 1255-66; Science (2006) 313(5795) 1935-42; RNA (2007) 13(6) 817-23; Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2007) 14(8) 733-7). Our group primarily uses the structural biology technique of X-ray crystallography in addition to complementary biochemical and biophysical techniques to address function in vitro. Successful candidates will have a recent Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or structural biology. X-ray crystallographic experience is preferred but not essential.
Source: [Nature Jobs]
December 19, 2008 / Posted by: Marco Boldt -
Life Detection in Water-Ice Matrices
Planetary scientists often rely on the polar ice- covered regions on Earth as analogs for the polar regions of Mars. Ancient ice cores dated using stable isotopes of trapped gases are studied to characterize the types of cold- adapted bacteria or archaea living within them. Our laboratory is developing two types of in situ life detection instruments. The first instrument is used for identifying and then characterizing microbes within ice using ultraviolet fluorescence followed by analysis with quantum dot labeled antibodies using flow cytometry. The second instrument is being developed to analyze gases trapped within ice such as carbon dioxide...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 19, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Bacterial Spore Viability in Extreme Environments
Our group is investigating bacterial spore viability in extreme environments. We currently focus on the following specific areas: (1) development of an endospore viability assay based on dipicolinic acid detection, (2) investigation of the microbial ecology of desert soils, permafrost, and Antarctic ice, (3) development of field-instrumentation for deployment in extreme environments. This works relates to NASA s strategic goals of investigating past or present habitable environment on Mars or other worlds by focusing on the boundary conditions for life in extreme environments on Earth.
Deadline: Feb 1, 2009
http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/detail.cfm?oppID=784
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 19, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Planetology
Observations of the surface of the inner planets, the satellites and rings of the outer planets, asteroids and comets across the spectral range from ultraviolet through active and passive microwaves; studies of meteorites and cosmic dust; theory and modeling relevant to the origin and evolution of the solid bodies of the solar system; development of approaches to the detection and characterization of solar systems around other stars.
Deadline: Feb 1, 2009
http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/detail.cfm?oppID=186
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 19, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Student Opportunities at NASA Centers
Student Opportunities at Ames Research Center:
Ames Research Center (Mountain View, CA) is a leader in information technology research with a focus on supercomputing, networking and intelligent systems. Ames conducts the critical R&D and develops the enabling technologies that make NASA missions possible. Ames also is a leader in nanotechnology, fundamental space biology, biotechnology, aerospace and thermal protection systems, human factors and astrobiology research. Ames participates in several agency education programs such as NASA’s Undergraduate Student Researcher’s Program (USRP; http://www.epo.usra.edu/usrp), an undergraduate internship program for science, engineering and mathematics majors, and the Graduate Student Researcher’s Program (
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Marco Boldt -
Analysis of Space Data of Gaseous Nebulae
We have spacecraft-obtained astrophysical data. These include observations made very recently with the Spitzer Space Observatory. The GSRP student will help with processing/analysis of these data. Our research, for the most part, concentrates on two types of astronomical objects – H II regions and planetary nebulae. The work will involve Spitzer data – completed Cycle 1 observations of the galaxy M83 and future observations of the galaxy M33 to be made in Cycle 2. These datasets comprise spectroscopic observations of H II regions in these two spiral galaxies. The research involves an analysis and interpretation of the emission lines...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Chemical sensors development for space and terrestrial applications
NASA Ames has developed a nanosensor technology for high sensitive and low power chemical sensing using nanostructure, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT’s), combined with silicon-based micro fabrication and micromachining process. Due to large surface area, low surface energy barrier and high thermal and mechanical stability, nanostructured chemical sensors offer higher sensitivity, lower power consumption and a more robust solution than most state-of-the art systems making them attractive for space and defense applications, as well as a variety of commercial applications. Leveraging the micromachining technology, the light weight and compact sensors can be fabricated, in wafer scale for mass...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology in Systems of Astrobiological Interest
Our group’s work focuses on characterizing microbial ecology and biogeochemistry in natural ecosystems that are relevant in an astrobiological context. We are particularly interested in understanding how the distribution and activities of microbial populations are shaped by energy flow.
http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/detail.cfm?oppID=850
Deadline: 5:00 PM EST February 1, 2009.
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Astromineralogy of Comets and Protoplanetary
Disks Comets are the deep freezers of dust and ices extant in the early solar nebula at the time of the formation of the giant planets. Astromineralogy is the study of the chemical and structural properties of the dust grains. Studying the dust mineralogy in comets and protoplanetary disks, and, in particular, the amorphous and crystalline silicates, probes the relative abundances of interstellar grains and grains thermally altered or condensed in the inner hot regions of disks, respectively. Research combines analysis and modeling of Spitzer and ground-based spectroscopy of comets as well as radiative transfer modeling of protoplanetary disks to...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Planetary Science
The wealth of information returned by the Galileo, Cassini, and Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft continues to advance theories of surface formation and evolution. Our research focuses on the geomorphological evidence for processes which have shaped the surfaces and interiors of solid bodies over the age of the solar system. Comparative studies of planetary systems are utilized to understand the geological histories and petrology of icy bodies (Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Triton, Pluto/Charon) and other planets (Mars, etc.). Geochemical and geophysical modeling of the internal processes shaping the surfaces of Mars, the Galilean and Saturnian satellites, and other objects are combined with...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
In-situ active spectrometry analysis techniques for astrobiology applications
We are developing the remote sensing techniques based on combined Raman spectrometer and UV fluorescence instrument suite for biogenic organics detections and characterizations. Our key step is to target the optimal instrument performance based on the systematic laboratory investigation and field- testing. Our measurement goals are: (1) ppm to ppb detection limits for organic molecules from natural samples without exaction or any preparation, (2) characterization of types of organic compounds based on complementary Raman and fluorescent signatures at sufficient detail to indicate possible biological origin. We will also incorporate the ultra sensitive spectroscopy technique for trace detection using surface enhanced...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Exoplanet Observations with future space telescopes
We are engaged in developing the near-infrared camera (NIRCam) and mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and are planning on using these instruments to observe transiting exoplanets. This work is being done in conjunction with exoplanet theorists and other JWST team members and should predict what scientific results will be possible with JWST. We are also investigating direct imaging coronagraphic exoplanet missions and are developing a state-of-the-art Phase Induced Amplitude Apodization coronagraph testbed in our Ames Coronagraph Experiment Laboratory.
Deadline: February 1st, 2009
http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/detail.cfm?oppID=848
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Planetary Science- Mars
This research focuses on the general circulation and climate system of Mars. There have been 7 successful spacecraft missions to Mars in the past 10 years returning valuable new data about the thermal structure of the atmosphere, the seasonal cycles of dust, water, and carbon dioxide, and the nature of the surface and subsurface. Our group interprets these data using a Mars General Circulation Model. We use the model to simulate the observations and determine what physical and dynamical processes are responsible for them. The model includes a full surface heat budget, a cloud microphysics package, a two-stream radiation code...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Astrochemistry Laboratory
Members of the Astrochemistry Laboratory propose and carry out measurements, observations and modeling of key rates and/or fundamental quantities that control important chemical processes in astrophysical and planetary environments or that yield the chemical and isotopic compositions of solar system bodies. Members also perform simulations of natural processes or synthesize simplified analog samples of natural materials in order to better understand the unexpected consequences of natural events or to record the spectroscopic properties of well characterized samples for comparison with observations.
Deadline: Feb 1, 2009
http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/research/detail.cfm?oppID=672
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson -
Visual Displays for Aerospace
NASA Ames Research Center is investigating displays for cockpit situational awareness, with the intention of assisting the implementation of free flight. This work is in to the RTCA Task Force 3 Report on Free Flight Implementation, which identified cockpit situational awareness displays as a key component of the next generation air traffic management (ATM) system. This report states “The architecture and technology on which the emerging ATM system is based makes increasingly heavy use of new displays that provide flight crews with real time situational awareness.” Therefore, the RTCA report recommends the immediate initiation of...
Source: [NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)]
December 18, 2008 / Posted by: Estelle Dodson
