Project #3 - Postbaccalaureate Positions in Astrophysics Science and Solar System Exploration Divisions

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center • Greenbelt, MD

7d • $48,900 - $56,400 • Onsite

About The Position

Applications are now being accepted for short-term postbaccalaureate research positions to support the Astrophysics Science and Solar System Exploration Divisions at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The position is funded by Southeastern Universities Research Association ( SURA ) through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II ( CRESST II ). The Astrophysics Science Division conducts a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Individual investigations address issues such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which planets outside our solar system may harbor life, and the nature of space, time, and matter at the edges of black holes. The Solar System Exploration Division conducts theoretical and experimental research to explore the solar system and understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Laboratories within the division investigate areas as diverse as astrochemistry, planetary atmospheres, geochemistry, geophysics, geodynamics, space geodesy, extrasolar planetary systems, and comparative planetary studies. Positions available within the Astrophysics Science and Solar System Exploration Divisions span a variety of research areas. Successful candidates will be chosen to work on one of the research projects listed below. Project #3 - You will be joining an active and collaborative research team at the forefront of theoretical and computational astrophysics. Our group specializes in modeling neutron stars and pulsars using multiwavelength observational data, primarily from Fermi and NICER, paired with advanced simulations and inference frameworks. We foster a dynamic environment where postbacs, graduate students, postdocs, and senior scientists work together on cutting-edge problems in relativistic astrophysics. In this role, you will contribute to efforts exploring the extreme physics of neutron stars and pulsars, leveraging observational data alongside state-of-the-art computational tools, including relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), particle-in-cell (PIC), and radiation transport codes, as well as statistical frameworks such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and machine learning for efficient parameter estimation and model emulation. Projects include modeling pulsar particle acceleration and inferring neutron star parameters from observational data. Strong computational skills are essential; while experience with lower-level programming languages such as Fortran or C is a plus, it is not required, and candidates with proficiency in other languages (e.g., Python) are also encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will work with Dr. Konstantinos Kalapotharakos. Candidates should be soon or recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, or a related science, or engineering discipline. Individuals who have already earned a master’s degree are encouraged to apply for this position, also. To apply, each applicant should submit a cover letter describing personal background and interest in the applicants’ chosen project(s), Curriculum Vitae, unofficial transcript, and contact information for two references to each project of interest through the CRESST II Breezy application platform . After sponsors review applications, additional support materials may be requested which may include a work sample in the form of a report, poster, journal article, writing sample, or coding examples. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. This is a full-time position working on-site at NASA/GSFC for 40 hours/week. The position offers a competitive annual salary of $48,900 - $56,400 depending on experience/education level, along with comprehensive benefits. The desired start date ranges from August - September 2026, with an initial employment term of one year that may be extended for one additional year contingent on performance and availability of funds. For general questions, contact CRESST II Special Programs Manager Aaliyah Kerr at aaliyah.kerr(at)nasa.gov. SURA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V.

Requirements

• Candidates should be soon or recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, or a related science, or engineering discipline.
• Strong computational skills are essential

Nice To Haves

• experience with lower-level programming languages such as Fortran or C is a plus
• candidates with proficiency in other languages (e.g., Python) are also encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• contribute to efforts exploring the extreme physics of neutron stars and pulsars
• leveraging observational data alongside state-of-the-art computational tools, including relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), particle-in-cell (PIC), and radiation transport codes, as well as statistical frameworks such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and machine learning for efficient parameter estimation and model emulation
• modeling pulsar particle acceleration
• inferring neutron star parameters from observational data

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees