ORAU
Astrophysics: Particle Astrophysics
Apply for the Astrophysics: Particle Astrophysics role at ORAU.
Organization National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code 0061-NPP-MAR26-GSFC-Astrophys
How To Apply
All applications must be submitted in Zintellect.
Visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and reqs. The NASA Postdoctoral Program website is https://orau.org.
A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:
Research proposal
Three letters of recommendation
Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description About the NASA Postdoctoral Program
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.
Particle astrophysics
is a broad field of study that attempts to understand the role played by relativistic particles in astrophysical objects. In particular, the energetic nuclei and electrons, which make up the galactic cosmic rays are used to study the processes that lead to the nucleosynthesis and acceleration of the particles and their interactions with the magnetic fields and matter in the galaxy. Experimental measurements of these particles are made from balloons and on near‑Earth satellites.
Our current balloon projects involve measurements of antiprotons in the 100 MeV to several GeV range and the abundances of heavy nuclei in the cosmic radiation. Typical instrumentation includes magnetic spectrometers, Cherenkov counters, time‑of‑flight detectors, and drift chambers. Opportunities exist to participate in the various phases of those projects from the identification and definition of the specific scientific objectives through the development, test, and operational phases of an experiment and finally, to carry out the data analysis and presentation of results. An active program of theoretical investigation into the origin, acceleration, and interstellar propagation of galactic cosmic‑ray particles is also part of our program.
Location Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Field of Science Astrophysics
Advisors
John W. Mitchell - john.w.mitchell@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑3199
John F. Krizmanic - john.f.krizmanic@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑6817
Nicholas W. Cannady - nicholas.w.cannady@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑6546
Eligibility 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.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status
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
Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org
Point of Contact Mikeala
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organization National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Reference Code 0061-NPP-MAR26-GSFC-Astrophys
How To Apply
All applications must be submitted in Zintellect.
Visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and reqs. The NASA Postdoctoral Program website is https://orau.org.
A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:
Research proposal
Three letters of recommendation
Official doctoral transcript documents
Application Deadline 3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description About the NASA Postdoctoral Program
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.
Particle astrophysics
is a broad field of study that attempts to understand the role played by relativistic particles in astrophysical objects. In particular, the energetic nuclei and electrons, which make up the galactic cosmic rays are used to study the processes that lead to the nucleosynthesis and acceleration of the particles and their interactions with the magnetic fields and matter in the galaxy. Experimental measurements of these particles are made from balloons and on near‑Earth satellites.
Our current balloon projects involve measurements of antiprotons in the 100 MeV to several GeV range and the abundances of heavy nuclei in the cosmic radiation. Typical instrumentation includes magnetic spectrometers, Cherenkov counters, time‑of‑flight detectors, and drift chambers. Opportunities exist to participate in the various phases of those projects from the identification and definition of the specific scientific objectives through the development, test, and operational phases of an experiment and finally, to carry out the data analysis and presentation of results. An active program of theoretical investigation into the origin, acceleration, and interstellar propagation of galactic cosmic‑ray particles is also part of our program.
Location Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Field of Science Astrophysics
Advisors
John W. Mitchell - john.w.mitchell@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑3199
John F. Krizmanic - john.f.krizmanic@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑6817
Nicholas W. Cannady - nicholas.w.cannady@nasa.gov - 301‑286‑6546
Eligibility 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.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa status
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
Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org
Point of Contact Mikeala
#J-18808-Ljbffr