Celestial Dynamicist

  Improve NASA’s knowledge of the meteoroid environment, particularly with regard to those particles posing a hazard to spacecraft

• Assisting in the development and improvement of meteoroid environment models throughout the Solar System
• Analyzing the data obtained from visual observers, meteor camera networks, telescopic instrumentation, and in-situ measurements to derive quantities (speeds, fluxes, masses, densities, etc.) pertinent to the development of meteor models
• Developing supplemental models to support the MEO’s main products (the Meteoroid Engineering Model and meteor shower forecasts)
• Tracking meteor events and updating the on the circumstances surrounding these events

At least a BS degree from an ABET accredited institution in Astronomy or Physics or a related field with a minimum of 6 years’ experience in dynamical astronomy, or a PhD in Astronomy or Physics meeting the publication requirement

• Must have published papers (as first author) on solar system dynamics in peer-reviewed astronomical journals such as Icarus, Earth, Moon, and Planets, the Astronomical Journal, or the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
• Expertise in one or more computer languages, preferably Python or the C family
• A strong, demonstrated math background
• The ability to be proactive and complete tasks with minimal direction
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship

DESIRED:

PhD or equivalent degree/experience in Astronomy or Physics with a specialty in Solar System dynamics or small body dynamics
Ability in 2 or more computer languages
Jacobs is an EOE - race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran