Postdocs: If you’re graduating in planetary sciences or geosciences and would like to come work with us, postdoctoral appointments are available through the NASA Postdoctoral Program. Annual application deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. Candidates must apply through the NPP webpage and are encouraged to contact us directly to develop a research proposal.

Some possible ideas for postdoctoral proposals that use the MNGRL lab might be:

1. •Ages of components of polymict regolith rocks from large asteroids such as ureilites or chondrites
   

2. •Cosmic-ray exposure history and pairing relationships of lunar meteorites
   

3. •Thermal history and cooling rate of igneous meteorites
   

4. •Ages of understudied lunar lithologies such as granulites and spherules
   

5. •Ages of terrestrial impact crater components
   

Applicants who are also interested in instrument development might also consider:

1. •How can in situ K-Ar dating be used to understand different planetary lithologies?
   

2. •Comparison of K-Ar and Ar-Ar ages of Martian and lunar rocks that have complex thermal histories
   

3. •Investigation of KArLE experimental conditions (pressure, temperature, viewing angle, measurement techniques, etc.) to optimize flight instrument workflow and hardware
   

Some other ideas that don’t use the labs might include

1. •Using remote sensing information of the Moon to come to new geologic understanding of impact basins
   

2. •Using Mars Exploration Rover data to understand impact-derived rocks
   

3. •Using lunar seismology to understand the interior structure of the Moon
   

Undergraduate students: We regularly have summer-long projects available for undergraduate students interested in planetary science. We’ve been very successful at having our undergraduate colleagues present their work at conferences - and sometimes even get bonus opportunities to see launches or other mission activities. Candidates must apply through the NASA opportunities for undergraduate students - usually the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program - but there are many other programs as well, see this page for a list of all the opportunities. Please also contact us directly to let us know about your interest. Advanced undergraduates can also apply for the NASA Academy, an intensive resident summer program. Apply through the NASA Academy web page and contact us directly to let us know your interest.

Graduate students: The NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP) is an Agency-wide fellowship program with a component of research experience at a NASA center. The application deadline is in early March. Candidates must apply through the GSRP website and are encouraged to contact us directly to develop a research proposal. First- and second-year graduate students can also apply for the NASA Academy, an intensive resident summer program. Apply through the NASA Academy web page and contact us directly to let us know your interest.

MNGRL collaborators: The MSFC Noble Gas Research lab is open for collaborations on projects of mutual interest. Please contact us for details.

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