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Rachel L. Harris, Ph.D.
NASA Postdoctoral Management Program (NPMP) Fellow in the NASA Astrobiology Program @NASA-HQ; Research Associate in the Girguis Deep Sea Microbiology Lab @HarvardOEB. NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign Science Group.
Rachel L. Harris, Ph.D. is a NASA Postdoctoral Management Program (NPMP) Fellow at NASA Headquarters, where she serves as the development lead for the 2025 NASA Astrobiology Strategy.2 Her work involves collaborating with the broader astrobiology community to shape a comprehensive roadmap for the Astrobiology Program over the next decade and beyond.2
Dr. Harris has an extensive background in geomicrobiology and deep subsurface microbiology.1 Her research focuses on:
Research Interests
- Methane cycling
- Microbial ecophysiology
- Redox biosignatures
- Deep-sea hydrothermal vents
- Martian surface conditions and potential for life
Professional Roles
- Research Associate in the Girguis Deep Sea Microbiology Lab at Harvard University's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology24
- Member of the NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign Science Group since April 20222
Notable Achievements
- Selected as one of 16 international scientists to advise on the ~$7 billion Mars Sample Return Program2
- Led instrument reviews for Mars Sample Return science planning2
- Authored 7 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 7 first-author conference abstracts2
- Reviewed proposals for NASA Exobiology and PSTAR programs2
Dr. Harris has participated in research cruises to study methane cycling at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Western Galapagos Spreading Center and Northern Guaymas Basin.2 Her work contributes to NASA's "Exploring Ocean Worlds" project, which has implications for the search for life beyond Earth.23
Highlights
The NASA Astrobiology Program is seeking applicants for a new position that will work with the co-Leads of the five Research Coordination Networks (RCNs) and NASA Astrobiology leadership in the administration and organization of these networks.
Primary responsibilities include: Coordinating with co-leads and team leads for the planning and organizing of events and workshops. Managing internal and external communications Mailing list maintenance. Maintain and update web pages and social media posting. Newsletter crafting and dissemination. Maintaining calendars and spreadsheets for upcoming events, supporting webinars hosted through Zoom, YouTube, Microsoft Teams, etc. Working with NASA and RCN members to maintain updated membership lists.
Required Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in a field generally relevant to Astrobiology (Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Earth Science, Astronomy, or related fields) from an accredited university. Experience supporting the administrative needs of a team.
Required Skills/Training: Strong organization and communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office and Excel. Proficient with Google Workspace. Adept at using online meeting tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Desired Education, Experience, Skills or Training (if applicable): Bachelor's degree from a non R-1 University (More info) Prior experience working in teams directly pursuing the goals of the NASA Astrobiology program. Experience updating and maintaining web pages.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Link to position application below.
I’m delighted to announce that I’m starting a NASA Postdoctoral Management Program Fellow position in the Astrobiology Program at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration! In this role, I will be leading the strategic synthesis of the 2025 NASA Astrobiology Strategy. Excited and humbled to engage with the community to develop this decadal document!
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