The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Spacecraft Propulsion Section, part of the Spacecraft Engineering Division, seeks a highly qualified candidate to engage in cutting-edge research on Ionic Liquid Ion Source (ILIS) electrosprays for electric propulsion in micro- and nanosatellite platforms. This opportunity centers on advancing our understanding of plume behavior in the pure ion regime, with particular focus on neutral species generation and transport.

The research will involve experimental characterization of neutral species formed through cluster fragmentation and evaporation processes within the thruster plume. These neutrals span a wide energy range and trajectory distribution, and their impact on spacecraft surfaces and thruster components is not yet fully understood. The selected candidate will apply novel diagnostic strategies to investigate neutral dynamics, energy profiles, and their dependence on operating conditions.

In addition, the project aims to quantify and mitigate the influence of ground test facilities on electrospray performance. The candidate will explore methods for decoupling facility-induced phenomena from nominal thruster operation, including the role of secondary species emission and beam target interactions. Results from this research will support the development of robust testing protocols and inform integration strategies for small satellite missions.

Ideal candidates should have experience in electric propulsion, spacecraft testing, and plasma or beam diagnostics. Familiarity with ion beam physics, electrospray technology, and advanced experimental instrumentation is desirable. The ability to design experimental apparatus and interpret data from multiple diagnostic sources will be critical to the success of this effort. Skills in computational modeling, statistical analysis, or spectroscopy techniques would be considered advantageous.

The candidate will work closely with NRL researchers in both the Spacecraft Engineering and Plasma Physics Divisions. Facilities include high-vacuum chambers tailored for electrospray and plasma diagnostic experiments, material characterization equipment, an array of plasma diagnostic tools such as Faraday cups, retarding potential analyzers, time-of-flight or quadrupole mass spectrometers, high-power microscopes, and access to Department of Defense (DoD) High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources for simulation work. This research aims to significantly enhance the understanding and predictive capability of electrospray thruster performance, ultimately contributing to the development of scalable, efficient electric propulsion systems for small satellite platforms.

key words

Electrospray; Ionic Liquid Ion Source; Space; Spacecraft; Propulsion; Diagnostics; Experimental; Design; Test; Vacuum; Mass Spectrometry

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.