Astrophysics Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer; NICER

Astrophysics with the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER)

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0162-NPP-MAR
26-GSFC-Astrophys

How To Apply

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements:

How to Apply

| NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org). A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Final date to receive applications

3/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Neutron stars provide natural laboratories for the study of a number of important questions in fundamental physics, including the equation of state (EOS) and composition of ultra‑dense matter. NASA's Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission, operating on the International Space Station (ISS) since Summer 2017, is providing breakthrough capabilities for high throughput, fast X‑ray timing and spectroscopy to probe the mysteries of neutron stars.

NICER's key goals are to measure the mass and radius of neutron stars by pulse‑profile modeling of the soft X‑ray emission from millisecond pulsars, and precision timing of accreting millisecond pulsars. NICER will also enable mass‑radius constraints from spectral modeling of the thermal emission from X‑ray bursts, and make definitive measurements of the stability of rotating neutron stars as clocks.

NICER's capabilities will also enable a rich observing programme of many classes of X‑ray sources in addition to neutron stars, including accreting black holes and cataclysmic variables. Opportunities exist for research, both observational and theoretical, in areas of relevance to NICER that will support, enable and enhance the science return from NICER observations as well as existing archival X‑ray timing data.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

Keith Charles Gendreau
keith.c.gendreau

Konstantinos Kalapotharakos
konstantinos.kalapotharakos

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Eligibility is currently 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

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

General Business, Management, and Business Development

Industries

Government Administration