Detection of Biosignatures by Liquid-Based Analysis

Summary

Overview

NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) opportunities at NASA Centers, NASA Headquarters, or NASA-affiliated research institutes.

Description

The research for this position will involve the development of analytical protocols for detection of biosignatures using liquid based analysis. This includes extraction protocols and analysis by capillary electrophoresis coupled to multiple detection systems targeting a range of organic and inorganic compounds relevant to the search for life. This research will utilize both commercial capillary electrophoresis instruments and custom built hardware.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline with a strong background in analytical chemistry. Experience in capillary electrophoresis coupled to fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry is highly desirable. Experience analyzing natural samples is also a significant asset.

Field of Science

• Astrobiology

Advisors

Maria Mora
maria.mora@jpl.nasa.gov
Phone: (818) 731-8800

Eligibility

Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. Eligibility is 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

A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at:

Qualifications

Doctoral degree in chemistry.

Points of Contact

Mikeala

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Job Description

Overview

NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) opportunities at NASA Centers, NASA Headquarters, or NASA-affiliated research institutes.

Description

The research for this position will involve the development of analytical protocols for detection of biosignatures using liquid based analysis. This includes extraction protocols and analysis by capillary electrophoresis coupled to multiple detection systems targeting a range of organic and inorganic compounds relevant to the search for life. This research will utilize both commercial capillary electrophoresis instruments and custom built hardware.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline with a strong background in analytical chemistry. Experience in capillary electrophoresis coupled to fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry is highly desirable. Experience analyzing natural samples is also a significant asset.

Field of Science

• Astrobiology

Advisors

Maria Mora
maria.mora@jpl.nasa.gov
Phone: (818) 731-8800

Eligibility

Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. Eligibility is 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

A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at:

Qualifications

Doctoral degree in chemistry.

Points of Contact

Mikeala

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone