Category: Astrobiology

Professor in Planetary Sciences at the University of Bern

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences
City: Bern
Category: , , , , , , , , ,
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Christoph Mordasini
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 31 2026
Web Link: https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/jobs/5910a4be-30c9-4e9d-abbe-9bc44b71776e

The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences of the Physics Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland, invites applications for a full-time position as a Professor in Planetary Sciences. The initial level of tenure can range from assistant professor tenure track to full professor depending on qualifications (open rank). We invite applications from candidates who conduct outstanding research, teaching, mentorship, and leadership in any area of experimental planetary science. Areas of research could include, but are not limited to, the properties, origin and evolution of planets and minor bodies in the Solar System, the search for and emergence of life beyond Earth, the composition of surfaces and atmospheres, ongoing physical and chemical surface and sub-surface processes and the evolution of planetary interiors. A diverse spectrum of approaches and methodologies is welcome, including, but not limited to, the analysis and modeling of space probe datasets, instrumentation, and flight hardware development, experimental, observational and laboratory techniques, comparative planetology or the involvement, development, and leadership in space missions.

NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life
City: Zurich
Category: ,
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Mathias Beck
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: ETH Zurich
Application Due Date: Friday, November 07 2025
Web Link: https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_F0rCyzUUQDlXzSHyku

Job description

The NOMIS Foundation ETH Fellowship Programme supports postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich within the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL). The programme is intended to foster the development of young interdisciplinary researchers in the field of the origin and prevalence of life who have demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers, and to enable the conditions necessary to conduct interdisciplinary, fundamental and high-risk research with some level of independence and autonomy.

The role

Once appointed, NOMIS–ETH Fellows become an integral part of and have direct access to an international network of leading interdisciplinary researchers and institutions through the NOMIS collaborative research network and the Origins Federation.

The duration of a NOMIS–ETH Fellowship is three years plus one extension year and cannot be prolonged. The fourth year is granted only following a review 18 months after the start of the fellowship and must be funded by the host professor(s). The fellowship is competitive with a limited number of fellowships available each year. For a start in 2025, up to three new NOMIS– ETH Fellows will be selected.

Your profile

Applications within three years of obtaining a doctorate will be considered. In duly justified cases, applications falling outside this criterium may also be considered. Preferably, you already will have acquired your first postdoctoral experience and/or interdisciplinary training. You must have an existing affiliation to an academic/research institution.

In each evaluation round, a professor may only submit one candidate as host. A potential host may be co-host of another candidate for the same evaluation round. At least one of the host or co-host professors (mentors) must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed fellowship. The hosts and co-hosts shall be members of the Centre; see the COPL website for affiliated professors.

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

More information

https://copl.ethz.ch/opportunities/nomis-eth-fellowships.html

SETI Institute’s 2025 Frank Drake Postdoctoral Fellowship

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Mountain View
State/Province: California
Category:
Country: USA
Contact Person: Nathalie Cabrol
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: SETI Institute
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 15 2024
Web Link: https://www.seti.org/frank-drake-fellowship

The SETI Institute is pleased to announce the call for applications to the Frank Drake Postdoctoral Fellowship focusing on “Innovation in the Search for Life in the Universe.”

For more information, go to:  2025 FRANK DRAKE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP 

Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) Faculty Position in Geobiology at UCLA

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences
City: Los Angeles
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Sean Silverstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: UCLA
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 01 2024
Web Link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09827

The UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Geobiology at the Assistant Professor rank. Competitive candidates will have expertise in the detection and characterization of life and/or signatures of life in Earth’s past and present environments, and/or in extraterrestrial settings. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, organic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, paleontology, paleobiology, and/or astrobiology. Candidates with expertise that complements and expands the existing strengths of UCLA’s geobiology, geology, geochemistry and planetary science research programs, and who see potential for synergies across the breadth of research pursued by EPSS faculty, are particularly encouraged to apply. We seek individuals with experience in research, teaching, and community/collegial service who are prepared to contribute to our commitment to excellence in scholarship and to our goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program at UCLA. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, geochemistry, geology, environmental science, or a closely related field by the date of hire.

EPSS faculty conduct research in geophysics, geology, geobiology, geochemistry, planetary science, paleobiology, and space physics. The department has a strong tradition of integrative research that transcends traditional discipline boundaries. The ability of applicants to contribute to this multidisciplinary ethos will be a consideration in evaluation, in addition to their commitment to enhancing the diversity of EPSS faculty and students.

NOMIS Foundation ETH Fellowship Programme

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life
City: Zurich
Category:
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Mathias Beck
Institution: ETH Zurich
Application Due Date: Friday, November 08 2024
Web Link: https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_NdPvxJpeHdScqfFTvD

The NOMIS Foundation ETH Fellowship Programme supports postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich within the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life. The programme is intended to foster the development of young interdisciplinary researchers in the field of the origin and prevalence of life who have demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers, and to enable the conditions necessary to conduct interdisciplinary, fundamental and high-risk research with some level of independence and autonomy.

With this call, up to 3 fellowships may be funded.

Applications have to be made jointly by the candidate and one or two potential hosts from two different disciplines, who must be ETH Zurich professors and willing to act as the
mentors of the fellow.

Applications must be made before 08 November 2024, 17:00 Zurich local time via the ETH Job board:

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_NdPvxJpeHdScqfFTvD

The duration of a NOMIS-ETH Fellowship is three plus one year and cannot be prolonged. The fourth year is only granted after a review 18 months after the start of the fellowship and must be funded by the host professor(s).

The announcement of the selected fellows will be made mid-February 2025. The start date for the fellowships should not be later than September 2025.

More details can be found on the COPL website:

https://copl.ethz.ch/opportunities/nomis-eth-fellowships/nomis-fellowship-call-2024.html

Please contact us if you have questions.

Metaversity is hiring Ph.Ds to teach in the Metaverse

Posted on
Department: Space Sciences
City: Remote
State/Province: Remote
Category: , , , ,
Country: Remote
Contact Person: Dr Trudi Hoogenboom
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Metaversity
Application Due Date: Thursday, June 01 2023

Join the innovative school in the Metaverse where 13-18-year-old students learn disruptive technologies (Generative AI, 3D printing, Data Science, and all things Space related).

Our mission is to bring a world-class, transformative, future-focused enrichment education to students globally. We take pride in our collaborative, team-oriented environment with colleagues who deeply care about our mission. Metaversity is a fully remote company, and like our students, our team is global. We are hiring part-time faculty members from a vast range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are paid positions. 

The role: Teaching 5 x 1-hour classes per week. Classes are at the same time each day but each teacher has the flexibility to choose the time, the amount of classes you are able to teach each day, and for how many weeks. We operate in all time-zones. We have 2 pay scales depending on whether you create content or use ours. Classes start June 19 in our Metaverse classrooms.

Required: A Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Astrobiology, Data Science, or Satellite Engineering (or related fields).

Bonus points for any of the following (but NOT required)

1. Fluently speaking a foreign language

2. Prior experience using a VR headset e.g. Oculus (including games)

3. Prior experience teaching 13-18-year-olds (scientific outreach included)

 

Metaversity has been founded by Dr. Jim Green, Dr. Trudi Hoogenboom, and Wasim Ahmed

 

If interested, please fill out an application form at:

https://forms.gle/guUnW71k6dkJUzvp6

 

Life Detection Scientist

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Astrochemistry Laboratory
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr. Natasha M. Johnson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Wednesday, May 17 2023
Web Link: http://www.usajobs.gov

The Astrochemistry Laboratory of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is seeking a full-time research scientist specializing in life detection science who would work to connect theories of life and biological search patterns to measurable parameters and contribute to future mission concepts. The successful candidate will work closely with life detection instrument technology developers to conceive of measurement approaches that are well connected to fundamental, robust theories or models of biology and life signatures. This research position entails developing productive collaborative relationships, leading ground-breaking research, and providing input into future mission/instrument design. This is a GS-13/14 level civil servant position located at NASA-Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland near Washington, DC. As a government position, individuals must have US citizenship at time of application.

A full vacancy announcement, which contains further information including qualification requirements and application instructions, will be posted on May 4 and remain open for two weeks. The period that the announcement is open is due to the type of hiring authority and not a reflection of the openness of the position.

Research Physical Scientist, AST-Solar Systems Analysis

Posted on
Department: Planetary Environments Laboratory
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Scott Guzewich
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Thursday, February 23 2023
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/702547900

The Planetary Environments Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, which studies the chemistry and astrobiology of the atmospheres and surfaces of planetary bodies, is seeking a scientist who specializes in chromatography, with a strong emphasis on front end separation techniques and hardware development. Candidates are expected to have experience in chromatography mass spectrometry techniques.  The job is open to all US citizens.  Applications are open between 2/9/2023 and 2/23/2023.  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/702547900

Assistant or Associate Professor, Planetary Geosciences

Posted on
Department: Department of Geosciences
City: Auburn
State/Province: AL
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Institution: Auburn University
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 01 2022
Web Link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/32497

Faculty Position

Planetary Geosciences

Auburn University

 

The Department of Geosciences at Auburn University invites applications for a Planetary Geosciences faculty position at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The appointment would begin August 2023. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geosciences (broadly defined) or in a closely related field at the time appointment begins. Post-doctoral experience is desirable. Specialties may include, but are not limited to, terrestrial analogue studies of planetary surface processes (e.g., impact cratering and volcanic processes), orbital and/or surface robotic mission-related geosciences (e.g., missions to the Moon and Mars), planetary mineralogy and petrology (including geochronology, e.g., study of meteorites and/or future returned samples), instrument science for planetary missions, planetary geophysics and climate dynamics, and related disciplines such as astrobiology. We seek a dynamic individual with strong research potential who can obtain external funding and can link their research program to existing department strengths in geochemistry, geochronology, geomorphology, tectonics, climate science, remote-sensing and GIS, and sedimentary geology. Auburn University supports multi-departmental research efforts in the Planetary Science area in both the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Engineering. The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, publish scholarly work, and advise graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will also participate in the educational mission through teaching new specialty courses in Planetary Geosciences as well in teaching existing courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Geosciences and in our interdisciplinary Earth System Science PhD degree program. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are necessary. The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States on the date the appointment is scheduled to begin (August 2023) and must be able to continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Applications must include the applicant’s curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, and the names and contact information of three professional references, as well as up to 2 pages each for the cover letter/letter of application, the statement of research interests, the statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and the statement of inclusion. In the statement of inclusion, please describe how your experience and/or potential contributions in research, teaching, and service will advance our mission of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. The College of Sciences and Mathematics is committed to providing resources to enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and individual diversity, promote community, and prepare students, faculty, and staff to have a global impact in STEM (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/diversity/index.htm). To apply please go to https://www.auemployment.com/postings/32497, complete the online form and upload the required application documents.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the AU website to learn more about Auburn University and Geosciences program http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/geosciences/. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Review of applications will begin during December 1, 2022 and will continue until a candidate accepts appointment.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.