ORAU

Quantitative Mineralogy and Life Detection using Raman and LIBS Spectroscopy

PASADENA, CAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from ORAU

  • Job overview

    This position involves conducting advanced research in planetary science through the development of in-situ spectrometers for NASA's projects.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    Candidates will engage in hands-on laboratory work, developing integrated Raman/LIBS spectrometers for quantitative mineralogy and elemental analysis in extreme environments.

  • Experience and skills

    Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and possess expertise in lasers, optical instrument design, electronics, and various spectroscopy techniques.

  • Company information

    ORAU supports NASA's research initiatives, providing opportunities for scientists to contribute to significant space science projects.

  • Team overview

    Candidates will work within a lab-oriented team focused on developing advanced spectrometric technologies.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

  • Application process

    Applications must be submitted via Zintellect, including a research proposal, three letters of recommendation, and official doctoral transcripts by the deadline of 3/1/2025.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology for planetary exploration.

Company overview

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a consortium of universities that partners with government agencies, national laboratories, and private industry to advance scientific research and education. They generate revenue through contracts and grants, providing expertise in areas such as health physics, environmental assessments, and workforce development. Founded in 1946, ORAU has a rich history of supporting national priorities in science and technology, including managing the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your hands-on laboratory experience and expertise in optical instrument design, lasers, and spectroscopy, as these are crucial for the Quantitative Mineralogy and Life Detection role at ORAU.

  • Emphasize any previous projects or research that involved the development of spectrometers or similar instrumentation, particularly in extreme environments, to align with the job description.

  • Apply through multiple channels, including the NASA Postdoctoral Program website and LinkedIn, to maximize your application reach and visibility for this competitive role.

  • Connect with professionals in the planetary science division at ORAU on LinkedIn to gain insights into the position and the team. Potential ice breakers could include asking about their current projects or expressing interest in their work on Raman and LIBS spectroscopy.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS systems by incorporating keywords from the job description, such as 'Raman spectroscopy', 'LIBS', 'instrument development', and 'chemometric techniques' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to streamline your application process, allowing you to focus your time on networking and preparing an outstanding research proposal.

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