Category: Asteroids/Phobos/Deimos

Planetary Scientist

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Heliophysics and Planetary Science
City: Huntsville
State/Province: Alabama
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Barbara Cohen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Friday, July 01 2016

This is an informal heads-up announcement. The Heliophysics and Planetary Science Office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center anticipates filling a Planetary Scientist civil service position within the next several weeks. The candidate will fill a project scientist position for the Space Launch System (SLS), providing relevant expertise on Solar System destinations for human and robotic exploration. The candidate will also become a part of the MSFC Planetary Science group, focused on geologic investigation of planets, asteroids, and/or moons. We are especially interested in adding capability in remote sensing of solid surfaces to complement our existing expertise in geochronology and geophysics. The candidate is also expected to bring or build a strong independent scientific research program through peer-reviewed proposals to NASA programs and/or through involvement in NASA planetary missions.

All candidates must use the USAJobs.gov website to prepare and submit applications, and United States citizenship is required to be eligible for this civil service position. We anticipate filling the position at the GS-13 level with a starting date in mid-2016. We will announce the formal job posting data when it is available. Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. Barbara Cohen, MSFC Planetary Sciences, [email protected], 256-961-7566. Our web site is http://planetary.msfc.nasa.gov. A how-to guide for preparing responsive applications using the USAJobs.gov site will be provided upon request.

Postdoctoral Scientist

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: NAIC
City: Arecibo
State/Province: Puerto Rico
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Shawn Dixon
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Universities Space Research Association
Application Due Date: Monday, August 29 2016
Web Link: https://usra-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=405

Postdoctoral Scientist

Tracking Code

405-1100

Job Description

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including bio medicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers – on schedule and within budget.

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the Planetary Radar group at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Planetary Radar system. Experience in astronomical observations of Solar System objects, small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and/or numerical inverse modeling is desirable. Experience with radar observations and techniques, programming languages, and Linux systems is preferred but not required. The incumbent would be expected to participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent research program. The Observatory has significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment support are available. This position shall be for a two year appointment with the likely renewal of one year.

Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, a research plan [limit 3 pages], and contact information for three references. A PhD in physics or a related field is required. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

The Arecibo Observatory is managed for the NSF by a consortium comprising SRI International, USRA, and Universidad Metropolitana. It is home to the largest radio telescope in the world and conducts research programs in Radio Astronomy, Planetary Radar, and Atmospheric Sciences. All appointments are contingent upon the continuation of the cooperative agreement with the NSF for the operation of Arecibo Observatory.

The successful applicant will be a resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and will be an employee of USRA.  All interested candidates must apply directly on our website at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Location

Arecibo, Puerto Rico, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

 

Postdoctoral Scientist

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Radar Group
City: Arecibo
State/Province: Puerto Rico
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Edgard Rivera-Valentin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Arecibo Observatory (USRA)
Application Due Date: Monday, August 29 2016
Web Link: https://usra-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobInfo&version=1&jobid=405

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the Planetary Radar group at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Planetary Radar system. Experience in astronomical observations of Solar System objects, small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and/or numerical inverse modeling is desirable. Experience with radar observations and techniques, programming languages, and Linux systems is preferred but not required. The incumbent would be expected to participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent research program. The Observatory has significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment support are available. This position shall be for a two year appointment with the likely renewal of one year.

Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, a research plan [limit 3 pages], and contact information for three references. A PhD in planetary science, astronomy, physics or a related field is required. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged. The search will remain open until the position is filled or closed; however, the screening committee will begin reviewing applications on June 20, 2016.

The Arecibo Observatory is managed for the NSF by a consortium comprising SRI International, USRA, and Universidad Metropolitana. It is home to the largest radio telescope in the world and conducts research programs in Radio Astronomy, Planetary Radar, and Atmospheric Sciences. USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including bio medicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers – on schedule and within budget.

The successful applicant will be a resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and will be an employee of USRA. Appointments at the Arecibo Observatory are contingent upon the continuation of the cooperative agreement with the NSF for the operation of Arecibo Observatory. All interested candidates must apply directly on our website at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

PLANETARY SCIENCES EXPLORATION FACULTY

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics
City: Orlando
State/Province: Florida
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dan Britt
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Central Florida
Application Due Date: Sunday, November 15 2015
Web Link: https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/43557

The Department of Physics (physics.cos.ucf.edu) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level expected to begin in August 2016. As part of the recently awarded Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) initiative with the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), we seek candidates with experience in exploration-related planetary science including, but not limited to, regolith processes, microgravity dynamics, impact physics, primitive asteroid mineralogy, and in-situ resource utilization. Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment in Planetary Sciences, Physics, or a closely related discipline, and a record of independent, interdisciplinary research. The successful applicant is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program and have a strong commitment to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education. 

UCF is a leading, fast growing, metropolitan research university with about 63,000 students. The Department of Physics currently has 40 faculty members, offers B.S., B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics and a Ph.D. track in Planetary Sciences (www.planets.ucf.edu ), and has recently moved into a state-of-the-art research building. Departmental research programs include condensed matter physics, surface physics, nanoscience, soft condensed matter, planetary science, biological physics, atomic and optical physics, attosecond physics, quantum information processing, and physics education. There are opportunities to benefit from synergy with the UCF-based Florida Space Institute (fsi.ucf.edu), the Nanoscience and Technology Center, the Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center (AMPAC), the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), and the Biomolecular Sciences Center.

Interested individuals must complete an on-line application by going to: www.jobswithucf.com. At the time of application, the following documents should also be uploaded: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, summary of research and teaching portfolio, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Screening of applications will begin November 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this search may be directed to Dr. Daniel Britt, Chair, Planetary Science Search Committee, at [email protected].

PhD Positions in Solar System Science in Göttingen, Germany / Deadline 15 November 2015

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen
City: Göttingen
State/Province: Lower Saxony
Category: , , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Sonja Schuh
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Application Due Date: Sunday, November 15 2015
Web Link: https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/applynow

The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen in Germany (Solar System School) offers a research-oriented doctoral program covering the physics of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen. Read more at http://www.solar-system-school.de/

The science covered by the department Planets and Comets (one of three departments at the MPS) includes a wide spectrum of planetary research. We study the structure and composition of planets in our solar system as well as dynamic processes. The research includes the deep interior, surfaces, atmospheres and the plasma environment (thin hot charged particles in the environment) of the planets. The main focus lies in the research of the terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and the gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) as well as small bodies including comets and asteroids. We study similarities and differences among the various objects and compare them with each other to better understand the evolution of our solar system.

Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen.

The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Campus. Solar System Science is a key research area on Göttingen Campus, performed jointly with the nearby Institute of Astrophysics and the Institute of Geophysics of the Faculty of Physics, the Faculties of Chemistry, Mathematics, Geosciences, and the German Aerospace Center.

Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics or a related field, including a written Masters thesis (or a scientific publication), and must document a good command of the English language.

Online applications should be submitted before the deadline of 15 November 2015 via https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/applynow

Asteroid observations in the Gaia era

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Laboratoire Lagrange
City: Nice
Category: , , , ,
Country: France
Contact Person: Paolo Tanga
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur
Application Due Date: Wednesday, July 01 2015
Web Link: https://lagrange.oca.eu/spip.php?article1024

The Laboratory Lagrange at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur (Nice, France) calls for applications for a PostDoctoral Fellowship funded by the French Space Agency (CNES), in the field of solar system science connected to Gaia. The position is for one year renewable once, based on adequation of the applicant. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to projects that explore data on Solar System objects produced by the Gaia mission, and the use of Gaia astrometry for the exploitation of Earth-based techniques, e.g stellar occultations, to investigate asteroid physical properties.
Qualifications: candidates will be ranked according to their achievements in their doctoral research, record of referreed publications and independent research abilities. The applicants must have earned a Ph.D. degree in physics/astrophysics, with a solid background in observational and numerical approaches, good interpersonal skills and some experience in working within collaborative environments.
Target start date: November 1st, 2015, negotiable.
Deadline for application: July 1st.
For details, see: https://lagrange.oca.eu/spip.php?article1024

Post Doctoral Scientist- NEO Follow Up – LCOGT

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Goleta
State/Province: CA
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maida Smith
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Las Cumbres Observatory/UCSB
Application Due Date: Monday, December 01 2014
Web Link: http://lcogt.net/

The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Inc. (LCOGT) and University of California, Santa Barbara seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on the follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) and the creation of citizen science program.  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development, although candidate from other astrophysical fields with strong software background are also encouraged.

 

This position is funded by a grant from NASA to:

1) develop and exploit the LCOGT global network of robotic telescopes for NEO follow-up;

2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and

3) assist in the creation of a web-based citizen science environment for Solar System investigations by the general public.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall mission of the observatory – the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy.

 

LCOGT currently operates ten 1 meter and two 2 meter robotic telescopes, which will be used in this program.  The 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs.  The 1 meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

 

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected].  Electronic PDF submissions are preferred. Applications complete by December 1, 2014 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.  The term of this position is 3 years.  The Department of Physics and LCOGT are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research. LCOGT and UCSB are equal opportunity employers.

 

This position has the option to be held as an employee of UCSB and thus receive the UCSB benefit package for Postdoctoral Scholars or held as a direct employee of LCOGT with similar benefits, but still affiliated to UCSB. For further information on UCSB benefits, go to  http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/postdoctoral-scholars and reference Title Code 3252.

 

The desired start date is 1 January, 2015.

Post Doctoral Scientist- NEO Follow Up – LCOGT

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Goleta
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maida Smith
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Las Cumbres Observatory/UCSB
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 31 2014

The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Inc. (LCOGT) and University of California, Santa Barbara seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs).  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development.  This position is funded by a grant from NASA to 1) develop and exploit the global telescope network of LCOGT for NEO follow-up; 2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and 3) assist in the creation of a web-based environment for Solar System investigations by citizen scientists. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall mission of the observatory – the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy. The postdoc has the option to be affiliated with UCSB and have offices at both UCSB and LCOGT and have access to the observing resources of both institutions. They can also benefit from proximity to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.  The desired start date for this position is October 1st, 2014.

 

LCOGT is a privately funded global robotic observatory network, which operates ten 1 meter and two 2 meter robotic telescopes.  The 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs.  The 1 meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

 

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected].  Electronic PDF submissions are preferred. Applications complete by August 31, 2014 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.  The term of this position is 3 years.  The Department of Physics and LCOGT are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research.  LCOGT and UCSB are equal opportunity employers.

 

This position has the option to be held as an employee of UCSB and thus receive the UCSB benefit package for Postdoctoral Scholars or held as a direct employee of LCOGT with similar benefits.  For further information on UCSB benefits, go to:  http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/postdoctoral-scholars and reference Title Code 3252.

 

Research Scientist / Laboratory Manager

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Huntsville
State/Province: Alabama
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Barbara A. Cohen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Alabama Huntsville / NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Tuesday, September 30 2014
Web Link: http://uah.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=50487

The University of Alabama Huntsville and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center invite applications for a laboratory manager responsible for routine operation and maintenance of the MSFC Noble Gas Research Laboratory (MNGRL). A PhD or MS in the physical sciences, experience in mass spectrometry (noble gas and/or ICPMS, TIMS, etc.), and ultra-high vacuum laboratory operations are required. Salary is $67,151-$85,000 per year depending on qualifications; initial appointment is for 1 year with renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Applications will be reviewed beginning Sept 2 until position is filled. Apply online at http://uah.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=50487.

Near-Earth Object Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Astronomy
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Human Resources
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Adler Planetarium
Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 01 2014

The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct follow-up imaging and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. This position will be based in Chicago at the Adler. Applicants for this position must have their PhD (or near completion) in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field and should have experience with ground-based optical observing and a working familiarity with current minor planet research. The successful applicant will be expected to: 1) lead analysis of asteroid imaging, reflectance spectra, and rotational lightcurves; 2) coordinate target selection and observation with the international community; and 3) explore innovative research topics in collaboration with other members of the Adler astrophysics research staff. In addition they will spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible one-year extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding, starting no later than October 1, 2014. Applications will be accepted until position filled.

 

To apply, send resume to:

Human Resources

[email protected]

 

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

REQ: AST140