Cosmic Origins
15 April 2026
Deadline: Friday, May 8th , 2026 11:59pm ET
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).
https://cresst2.breezy.hr/p/c09c57ac4462-project-1-postbaccalaureate-positions-in-astrophysics-science-and-solar-system-exploration-divisions-at-nasa-goddard-space-flight-center
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 ineligible for Project #1 and #2. Master’s candidates may apply for Project #3. We encourage applicants who are considering applying to a graduate program in the near future, and who wish to expand their research experience in the interim to also apply.
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 has been extended to Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm EDT. Please submit an application by this date.
This is a full-time position working hybrid (combination of onsite and remotely) at NASA/GSFC for 40 hours/week. The position offers a competitive annual salary of $48,900, along with comprehensive benefits. The desired start date ranges from August – October 2026, with an initial employment term of one year that may be extended for one additional year contingent on performance and availability of funds.
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 …