Category: Astrobiology

Mars Paleoclimate Postdoc

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Department: Department of Geophysical Sciences
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Edwin Kite
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Chicago
Application Due Date: Friday, July 15 2016
Web Link: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences at The University of
Chicago seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher to support
investigations of the past Mars climate and atmosphere. The successful
candidate will work with Assistant Professor Edwin Kite to modify and
run Mars mesoscale models and Mars global climate models, and analyze
the output of those models. The emphasis of the work will be on
processes that operated early in Mars history and during the
transition from Mars’ early wetter climate to the present dry climate.
Candidates should have a background in Planetary Science, Earth
Science, or Astrophysics, and experience with modifying sophisticated
numerical models. Start date is flexible.

The University of Chicago hosts a vibrant planets and exoplanets
research program, with particular emphasis on potentially habitable
planets: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/research/planetary-sciences-and-cosmochemistry/

Application materials should be received by July 15 for full
consideration. Applicants should send a CV, a brief description of
research interests and experience, and a list of publications as a
single PDF file to [email protected]. Applicants should also arrange
to have two letters of reference sent to this email address. Please
direct informal inquiries about this post to Edwin Kite
([email protected]).

This postdoctoral position will be for one year, with the possibility
of renewal for a second year, and comes with a competitive salary and
generous benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or
status as an individual with disability. The University of Chicago is
an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans
Employer.

Two Faculty Positions in Astrophysics at Instituto de Astrofisica de Atacama, Copiapo (Chile)

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Current state: Review
Department: Instituto de Astrofisica de Atacama
City: Copiapo
State/Province: Atacama
Category: , , ,
Country: Chile
Contact Person: Mauro Barbieri
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Universidad de Atacama
Application Due Date: Friday, March 18 2016
Web Link: http://eas.unige.ch/jobs.jsp?id=671

The Instituto de Astrofisica de Atacama (IAA) at the Universidad De Atacama (UDA) in Copiapo (Chile) invites applications for two faculty positions to join the IAA team.
The successful candidates will join a group of five faculty working on a broad range of research topics and will have access to the Chilean Time in a broad array of facilities, including ALMA, VLT, Gemini, Magellan, LSST, GMT and the E-ELT. 

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in one or more of these fields: 

-Origin, structure and evolution of planets, satellites, and minor bodies in the Solar System; 
-Extrasolar Planets; 
-Formation, structure and evolution of stars; 
-Milky Way: stellar populations, star clusters, variable stars, galactic structure; 
-Terrestrial Mars analogs; 
-Astrobiology. 

The positions carry teaching duties in astronomy at the undergraduate level, with a load of 6h per week. The working language is English. While knowledge of Spanish is not required (teaching can be done in English), the successful candidates are expected to teach in Spanish within two years. 
The appointment at UDA will be for three years, with a first probation year, and the position is further extendable subject to performance. 

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or physics or related sciences completed at least 3 years prior to the starting day of the contract. 

To receive full consideration, applications must be sent by Friday 18 of March 2016, although the positions will remain open until filled. Start date is expected to be October 2016. 

Applications must be submitted by e-mail to Mauro Barbieri (mauro.barbieri @ uda.cl), and they should include: 
1) Cover letter, 
2) Curriculum Vitae, 
3) List of publications, 
4) Statement of recent research achievements (max. 2 pages), 
5) An outline of future research (min. 2 pages, max. 10 pages), 
6) The contact details of three referees (one needs to be the last employer, the others needs to be aware of the recent work of the candidate). 

Questions may be addressed to the previous e-mail address. 

Relevant links: 

Universidad de Atacama 
http://www.uda.cl 

Instituto de Astrofisica de Atacama 
https://sites.google.com/site/grupoastrouda 

Convocatoria Programa de Insercion de Investigadores en la UDA 
http://www.vrip.uda.cl/frontend/noticia_completa/104

McGill Space Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships

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Department: McGill Space Institute
City: Montreal
State/Province: Quebec
Category: , , , ,
Country: Canada
Contact Person: Kelly Lepo
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: McGill University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, December 01 2015
Web Link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/6521

We invite applications for multiple Postdoctoral Fellowships to be held in the McGill Space Institute at McGill University (http://msi.mcgill.ca/).

The McGill Space Institute is a newly formed interdisciplinary center that brings together researchers engaged in space-related research at McGill. Currently there are 17 active faculty members affiliated with the center, from the Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Natural Resource Sciences departments at McGill. 

The successful applicant will have a strong research record in theoretical, observational, or experimental work in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, atmospheric science or astrobiology. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research plans (not to exceed 2 pages) which demonstrates how the proposed research program complements current MSI activities, and contact details of 3 referees.

This position offers a competitive salary and will be for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year, dependent on supervisor approval and the availability of funds. Preference is given to applicants within 3 years of the PhD.

ESA Research Fellowship in Space Science

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Department: Directory of Science and Robotic Exploration
City: Noorwijk (NL) and Madrid (E)
Category: , , ,
Country: Netherlands and Spain
Contact Person: Oliver jennrich
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Thursday, October 01 2015
Web Link: http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science
———————————————

The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year.

The aim of these fellowships is to provide young scientists, holding a PhD
or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing space science
research in fields related to the ESA Science and Robotic Exploration
Programmes. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and
astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and
fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are
tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in
Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in
Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain.

Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in
the fall of 2016. Preference will be given to applications submitted by
candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding
a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of
receiving their degree before starting the fellowship.

ESA fellows are enrolled in ESA’s Social Security Scheme, which covers
medical expenses, invalidity and death benefits. A monthly deduction covers
these short-term and long-term risks.

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2015.

More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science,
on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can retrieved from
http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

Questions on the scientific aspects of the
ESA Fellowship in Space Science not answered in the above pages can be sent
by e-mail to the fellowship coordinators, Dr.Oliver Jennrich or Dr.Bruno
Altieri at the address [email protected]

 

Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Planetary Climate Modeling

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Department: Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics
City: New York
State/Province: NY
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Anthony Del Genio
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Columbia University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, April 01 2015
Web Link: https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=60391

POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST: PLANETARY CLIMATE MODELING

Columbia University: 2-year Postdoctoral Research Scientist appointment to model radiative processes and their effect on planetary climates in a general circulation model.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team from the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), GSFC, Columbia University, and other institutions. Team research addresses the habitability of past Solar System climates and exoplanet climates and informs the design of future exoplanet missions. The candidate will be expected to perform original research, present results at scientific meetings, and publish first-author peer-reviewed papers. The candidate will be resident at NASA GISS in New York City.

Requirements:  PhD. in atmospheric science, planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy, physics, or a similar field. Expertise in radiative transfer and willingness to become involved in radiation parameterization development are required, but the broad scope allows for many possible research directions using the model. Strong mathematics and programming skills are also required. Strong candidates will be interested in interdisciplinary questions and interacting with scientists from diverse fields. For further information visit http://www.giss.nasa.gov/projects/astrobio/ or contact Anthony DelGenio ([email protected]).

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For application requirements and instructions visit

https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=60391

MARS POSTDOC AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

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Current state: Approved
Department: Department of Geophysical Sciences
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Edwin Kite
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Chicago
Application Due Date: Saturday, December 20 2014
Web Link: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite

The Department of the Geophysical Sciences at The University of Chicago seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher to support investigations of the early climate of Mars through analysis of Mars topography and forward modeling of topographic change. The successful candidate will work with Assistant Professor Edwin Kite to assemble, analyze, and model crater-modification and crater-infilling datasets. Candidates should have a background in Planetary Science, Earth Science, or Astrophysics, and have experience working with large datasets. Experience with Mars is helpful but is not required. Start date is flexible. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop a program of independent research aligned with the objectives of the group (as exemplified by the projects listed at http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/proposals/), as well as to mentor undergraduate students. The University of Chicago hosts a vibrant planets and exoplanets research program, with particular emphasis on potentially habitable planets: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/planetary-science-planetary-atmospheres-and-e… Application materials should be received by December 20 for full consideration. Applicants should send a CV, a brief description of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees as a single PDF file to [email protected]. Please direct informal inquiries about this post to Edwin Kite ([email protected]).

Postdoctoral Position “Mars Analogues for Space Exploration”

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Current state: Approved
Department: Chemistry
City: Leiden
Category: ,
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Pascale Ehrenfreund
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Leiden Institute
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 01 2014

We are seeking an enthusiastic and excellent Postdoctoral Fellow to work for the newly funded EU FP7 Framework Program MASE: Mars Analogues for Space Exploration. The program targets

the limits of life on Earth and how we can detect life in extreme environments. The project involves partners from across Europe as well as international partners. The position is for

2.5 years and will be based in the Astrobiology Group at Leiden Institute of Chemistry. Candidates motivated in working on analogue research in support of future space exploration are

invited to apply.

 

Responsibilities will include:

?? Support of campaigns at selected terrestrial analogue sites to study their geological context, and to acquire pre-screened samples using in-situ portable instruments.

?? Investigation of the habitability context on site in comparison with remote sensing data.

??Post-analysis of collected samples in the laboratory to further investigate the mineralogy, organic matter content, and biota using extraction and analytical methods.

?? Characterisation of the environmental context for organic/life detection of the selected analogue sites using the combined dataset.

The research goal is to refine search methodologies and strategies in conditions similar to those expected on Mars and other planetary objects through a combination of field research,

coordinated multi-instrument data and ground sample analysis.

 

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry or related disciplines at commencement of employment. The applicant must have laboratory experience in

spectroscopic and analytical methods. The postdoc is expected to travel for field campaign support and collaboration between MASE partner institutes (in UK, Germany, Spain, France,

Iceland) and to function in a multidisciplinary research team (EU FP7 framework). Engineering background and interest in space research will be an advantage; Good English knowledge is

essential.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research experience, and two letters of recommendation. The starting date for the positions can be as early as January

1, 2014. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Please send all information and questions to:

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund?Leiden Institute of Chemisty?

P O Box 9502?2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands?

Email: [email protected]

Postdoctoral Opportunity in Martian Geobiology

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Current state: Approved
Department: Exobiology group
City: Orleans
Category: , ,
Country: France
Contact Person: Dr. Frances Westall
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: CNRS
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 01 2014

The FP7-funded MASE project (Mars Analogue Sites on Earth) seeks to determine the survivability of anaerobic microorganisms isolated from extreme terrestrial environments and

subjected to various Mars-related environmental stresses. However, since it is unlikely that life could survive at the surface of the planet under its present oxidizing and radiation

conditions, the ultimate goal is to determine what biosignatures could be preserved in rocks dating from the time on Mars when life may have flourished at the surface (Early-Mid

Noachian). The environmentally-abused anaerobes will be artificially fossilized and processed to imitate potential microfossils in Noachian-age martian rocks and the ensuing

biosignatures will be analysed in order to determine what might be preserved.

We seek a biogeoscientist for a 3 year postdoctoral position starting in mid 2014 to participate in this exciting and hugely timely project to detect biosignatures on Mars. The

candidate should ideally have some experience in biogeology, for instance in microbe-mineral interactions, and the analytical techniques needed to analyse the microorganisms (electron

microscopy, GC-MS, HPLC, Raman/IR spectroscopy etc.). 

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs by email to:

Dr. Frances Westall ([email protected])

Head Exobiology Group, CNRS-Centre de Biophysique Mol?culaire, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orl?ans cedex 2, France

Ames Research Center Job Announcement AR13B0014, Research Space Scientist, Planetary Studies

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Current state: Approved
City: Moffett Field
State/Province: California
Category:
Country: USA
Institution: NASA Ames Research Center
Application Due Date: Friday, September 27 2013
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/349635800

 NASA, the world’s leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission
demands.

The Exobiology Branch (Code SSX) at NASA Ames Research Center is currently seeking interested applicants for the position of Research Space Scientist. The incumbent is responsible for conducting
microbiological and/or geologic research to identify biosignatures that characterize past/present life in environments related to astrobiology.
He/she studies the origin, composition, structure, and evolution of the solar system, including planets and satellites; the Earth and Moon; and meteorites, asteroids, comets and dust. As a Research
Space Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for conducting research involving modern field samples, ancient terrestrial rocks, meteorites, extraterrestrial materials, ices, Mars analog rocks, and
returned data from spaceflight missions. He/she conducts research that emphasizes on the elucidation and characterization of modern, ancient, or extraterrestrial habitable zones and mineral
biosignature. This includes the evaluation of preservation potential related to biosignatures; primary/secondary mineral phases associated with habitable zones; and the development of databases,
microbial specimens, and geological collections for planetary studies and spacecraft missions.