Author: Xinyan Huang

Microgravity/Interdisciplinary Science and Technology

Opportunity ID	17666
Opportunity URL	https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/details/?ro=17666
Location	Glenn Research Center Clevelend, OH 44135
Field of Science	Interdisciplinary/Other
Advisors	Brian J. Motil 216-433-6617 [email protected] Jerry Myers 216-433-2864 [email protected] David Urban 216-433-2835 [email protected]
Citizenship Requirement	U.S. Citizens Only
Description	Opportunity Restricted to U.S. Citizens only This opportunity pertains to Microgravity environment investigations to develop technologies enabling human space exploration in the areas of combustion science, fluid physics, biological and medical systems research. NASA Glenn Research Center has a world-class and unique suite of ground-based microgravity research facilities that include: a 2.2-second drop tower, a 5-second zero- gravity facility, and access to reduced-gravity aircraft. These facilities are utilized for 1) developing longer- duration space flight experiments to be conducted on the International Space Station, and 2) conducting enabling research for NASA’ s missions to the Moon and Mars. Focused research investigations are in the specific areas of spacecraft fire safety, and advanced life support systems, and space physiology. Research is conducted to develop compact, robust, multi-function biomedical sensors to monitor astronaut health and reduce levels of risk in NASA’s exploration missions. Well- equipped state-of-the-art laboratories are used to develop new diagnostic techniques/instruments especially suited for use in space and microgravity environments. Computational modeling is used to research the effects of space environment on human physiology and to predict astronaut performance capabilities and medical needs. The investigations provide new knowledge that is used to improve processes and equipment (energy, environment, manufacturing, and medical) used for the exploration of space both robotically and by long- duration manned missions.

see the application website

The candidate selected for this position must demonstrate a strong commitment and potential to excel at teaching in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program within College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. The position will require teaching undergraduate level classes that may include topics such as Fire Safety Hazard Recognition, Hazardous Materials Incident Management, Senior Design, Loss Control, Safety Management, Human Factors or other classes as specified by the Head of Engineering Technology. A full-time appointment involves teaching three or four 3-credit hour courses, or equivalent, per semester.
The successful applicant will enhance the existing faculty teaching portfolio in terms of technical expertise and professional practice. Responsibilities include development, planning and implementation of a high quality curriculum. This includes development of learning materials, preparing lectures and laboratory assignments, and maintaining records to monitor student progress, achievement and attendance. Providing a rigorous ongoing assessment process for all courses is required. Classroom delivery is expected to incorporate principles of active-learning. This position is expected to establish office hours and effectively manage graduate teaching assistants and/or undergraduate graders. The ability to accelerate development of student written and oral communication skills is essential. The desired candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire students while maintaining the highest standards in a very challenging curriculum.
Other desirable skills or interests include, but are not limited to, service as the advisor to a student organization, undergraduate student advising, and participation on departmental, college or university committees.

The Saffire Experiment (Spacecraft Fire Experiment) conducts ground-based and in-space experiments that will reduce the likelihood of a fire on an exploration spacecraft or habitat and, if one should occur, reduce its impact on the vehicle, mission, and crew. The objective of the Saffire project is to conduct a large-scale material flammability test in extended low gravity. The important phenomena related to material flammability in spacecraft fire safety are dominated by the low-gravity forced convective flow environment. Personnel with experience in conducting these types of experiments are essential to design successful ground-based and flight experiments.

See detailed information in USRA website

Position Summary:

The Scientist I will support the design, development, and testing of the large-scale material flammability experiments, with specific emphasis on Li-ion batteries and their failure modes. The Scientist I will work closely with the Saffire engineering team to design the experiments and characterize/calibrate the experiment instrumentation including radiometers, cameras, and anemometers. The Scientist I will collect and analyze data from the experiments and prepare research results for publication.”

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Combustion Science.
• Master’s degree with 5 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience in combustion science and Li-ion battery technology.