Postdoctoral Research Associate

**Job no:** 495389 **Work type:** Faculty **Location:** Greenbelt, MD **Categories:** Interdisciplinary, Geography \& Environmental Science **Department:** Center for Space Sciences and Technology (CSST) **Anticipated Start Date:** November 3, 2026 **About the Position:** **Description of Position:** Postdoctoral Research Associate with CSST at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center **Responsibilities:** This position will work at the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory (AAL) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) will include (1\) routine analysis of organic compounds in carbonaceous meteorites, Martian meteorites, samples from asteroid Bennu returned by the OSIRIS\-REx mission, and terrestrial analogs (2\) life detection instrumentation development led by NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) for the Extractor for Chemical Analysis of Lipid Biomarkers in Regolith (ExCALiBR), an autonomous fluidic extraction unit for Mars applications currently at TRL 4\-5\. **Qualifications:** PhD in Geology or related field. **Salary Range:** $88,650 **To apply:** Upload your certified CV **Background Screening Statement:** A background check will be required. **Benefits:** UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Benefits offered align with type of position and may be prorated based on hours per week. * Paid Leave * Tuition Remission * Medical, Prescription and Dental Insurance * Retirement plans * Life and Disability Insurance * Professional development opportunities * Wellness opportunities \& much more See benefits summary for detailed information. 12 Month Faculty Benefits Summary 9 Month Faculty Benefits Summary **About UMBC:** UMBC, an honors university serving more than 14,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, is one of two public universities in Maryland to achieve the “doctoral/research university\-extensive” Carnegie classification. Located just outside Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, the campus is growing rapidly under dynamic leadership. Our UMBC community redefines excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. We will advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts (https://diversity.umbc.edu/). **Equal Opportunity Statement:** **UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.** **Title IX:** **As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex.** **For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.** **Accommodation:** **If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410\-455\-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1\-800\-735\-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.** **Advertised:** 01 Oct 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time **Applications close:**