Category: Atmospheres

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Planetary Science: Titan’s Atmosphere

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: School of Earth Sciences
City: Bristol
Category: , , , ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Nick Teanby
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bristol
Application Due Date: Monday, April 13 2015
Web Link: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details.html?nPostingID=3021&nPostingTargetID=10847

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Planetary Science: Titan’s Atmosphere

University of Bristol, UK, School of Earth Sciences

Closing date:    13-Apr-2015
Salary:        £31,342 – 39,685, depending on experience

Applications are invited for a three year Post-doctoral Research Assistant/Associate in Planetary Sciences, within the School of Earth Sciences, to study the atmosphere of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, using remote sensing data.

The successful applicant will study seasonal changes in Titan’s complex atmosphere based on data from the Cassini spacecraft’s Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS), which is sensitive to stratospheric composition and temperature. However, the project may also involve using data from Cassini’s other remote sensing instruments, or ground-based and space-based telescope data to allow more complete interpretations. Spectroscopic observations will be analysed using radiative transfer, inverse theory, and time series analysis techniques. These observational analyses will be used to investigate atmospheric changes over the course of the Cassini mission and constrain dynamical and chemical atmospheric models.

For further details and application procedure see:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details.html?nPostingID=3021&nPosting…

Faculty Position in Engineering Physics

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physical Sciences
City: Daytona Beach
State/Province: FL
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Terry D. Oswalt
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, FL
Application Due Date: Thursday, June 04 2015

The Department of Physical Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Campus invites applications for a Tenure-Track faculty position emphasizing space- or ground-based instrumentation and systems engineering in the areas of space, atmospheric, or astronomical sciences. This 9-month tenure track position may be at any rank: assistant through full professor. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in any related discipline and be available by August 15, 2015. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop a productive and vigorous externally-funded research program as well as the enthusiasm and drive to teach and mentor both undergraduate and graduate students. The Physical Sciences Department has about 35 faculty members. It is home to one of the leading ABET-accredited undergraduate Engineering Physics programs in the US, as well as growing BS Space Physics, BS Astronomy & Astrophysics, MS Engineering Physics, and PhD Engineering Physics programs. The Department also provides service courses in physics, astronomy, biology, chemistry and environmental science to other majors. Applications are under consideration now and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit applications online, including a cover letter, full CV, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, as well as the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references. All materials should be submitted through the link at: www.erau.edu/jobs, search for ‘Tenure Track’ at location Daytona Beach. Embry-Riddle is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Embry-Riddle is also committed to diversity and inclusion in higher education. We continually strive to recognize, respect and celebrate the differences and cultural identities among individuals as we recruit, support, and embrace our diverse community. We work to provide a safe environment where self-expression is welcome. We strive to create a campus climate free of discrimination so that networks, partnerships and cultural competency continue to be fostered through leadership, integrity, care and respect. Inquiries may be addressed to: Terry D. Oswalt, Ph.D. Chair, Dept. Physical Sciences Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 600 Clyde Morris Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Office: (386) 226-7571 Fax: (386) 226-6621 [email protected]

Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Planetary Climate Modeling

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
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

Research Scientist/Sr. Research Scientist

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Space Sciences and Engineering
City: San Antonio
State/Province: Texas
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Institution: Southwest Research Institute
Application Due Date: Wednesday, June 10 2015
Web Link: https://resapp.swri.org/ResApp/Job_Search_Results.aspx?DETAIL=15-01144

The UV imaging spectrograph group at SwRI is seeking postdoctoral to mid-career planetary scientists to join our team’s investigations of a variety of science questions using far-UV observations. Topics of study include: 1) Characterization of volatiles within permanently shaded regions at the lunar poles with the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) imaging spectrograph on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO); 2) Imaging Jupiter’s powerful auroral emissions with the Juno UV Spectrograph (UVS); 3) Studying the atmosphere of Pluto with the New Horizons Alice instrument; 4) Analysis of Hubble campaign observations in search of water vapor plumes on Europa; and/or 5) Instrument development work related to the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) UVS investigation and other future UV/optical projects in Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Earth Sciences. Candidates are encouraged to develop their own additional research projects.

 

Must have experience with imaging and/or spectroscopy from space-based or ground-based observatories. Strong programming skills with Interactive Data Language (IDL) is preferred. A background in scientific analysis and publications related to one or more of the topics listed above is highly desirable. Specific tasks include: analyze UV spectral imaging datasets; assist with planning future observations; publish results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at professional meetings; develop concepts and new technologies for UV/Vis/IR instrumentation; assist with flight instrument integration, test and calibration tasks; lead and/or assist proposal writing for new business.

 

Postdoctoral candidates are referenced to job posting number 15-01143. Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist candidates with (or soon to have) 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience may reference job code 15-01144.

 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Committed to Diversity in the Workplace

Post-Doc at the Observatório Nacional, Rio de Janeiro: Atmospheric structure of extrasolar planets

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: COAA
City: Rio de Janeiro
State/Province: RJ
Category: , , ,
Country: Brazil
Contact Person: Alvaro Alvarez-Candal
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Observatório Nacional - MCTI
Application Due Date: Sunday, February 01 2015

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position in the Planetary Sciences group at the Observatório Nacional (ON) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (http://www.on.br/coaa/cipla.html). Successful applicants will work on the joint project, funded under the Science without Borders program, between the ON and the University of Arizona (UA, USA) “The Atmospheric Structure of Extrasolar Planets” co-lead by Dr. Alvaro Alvarez-Candal (ON) and Prof. Caitlin Griffith (UA). The project centers on novel techniques to observe and study extrasolar atmospheres via spectroscopic observations and radiative transfer analyses. Candidates with knowledge of spectroscopy and observational astronomy, as well planetary atmospheres, are especially, although not exclusively, encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to participate on project-related work, although individual/independent research is not discouraged.

The successful applicant will develop his or her research at ON, which is located in the north part of the city of Rio de Janeiro. As one of the leading astronomical institutions in Brazil, ON’s research groups range from planetary sciences to cosmology and engage in many international projects, such as SDSS 4 or J-PAS. It has a welcoming environment where students, post-docs, and researchers interact.

Applicants should send a short CV, publication record, and short description of research interests to [email protected] as well as two reference letters to the same e-mail address. Full consideration will be given to applications sent by February 1st. 2015. The position is available immediately for one year with a possible renewal, subjected to performance review.

For more information please contact Dr. Alvaro Alvarez-Candal ([email protected]) and/or Prof. Caitlin Griffith ([email protected])

Simulation Developer for Physics-based Space Game

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Seattle
State/Province: WA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dan Dixon
Contact Email: [email protected]
Application Due Date: Thursday, January 15 2015
Web Link: http://universesandbox.com/blog/2014/12/hiring-a-planetary-scientist/

Giant Army is looking for a planetary scientist or astronomer with a strong scientific computing background to join our team. You should be interested in helping us extend, improve, and develop the physical simulations at the heart of Universe Sandbox ². This is a contract position, but has the potential to become more permanent.

You will work closely with Giant Army’s current astronomer, as well as the creator of Universe Sandbox, in addition to our climate scientist, core game architect, numerical physics developer, graphics programmer, and technical artist.

Join us… we’re making something incredible that’s never been done before.

Your Role

  • Help design, improve, and code the real-time simulation, which merges the gravity simulator with other simulated systems and incorporates as much realistic science as possible
  • Help discover simulation edge cases and develop solutions to solve them
  • Advise the team on how to best make the simulation, data, and visuals more realistic
  • Some potential areas for development include connecting composition and physical properties, gas giant atmospheres, habitability, major impact aftermath, and your favorite project

 Ideal Candidate

  • Loves physics simulations and fantastical what-if scenarios: https://what-if.xkcd.com/
  • Is a self-driven and talented programmer with experience developing numerical models in a compiled language using modern developer best-practices
  • Writes clean code that is comprehensible to teammates
  • Is excited about developing a tool that allows users to experiment with simulations, pushing the boundaries of what has been done in real-time for public consumption
  • Can envision what makes the best interactive experience with physical concepts, and how best to crunch the numbers to make it happen

Mandatory Qualifications

  • Planetary science || (astronomy && (physics || chemistry)) background
  • Simulation design and coding experience
  • Strong enthusiasm for using models to explore both realistic and fantastical what-if scenarios
  • Strong interest in helping change the way the world perceives our universe and fragile planet
  • Good communication skills and proficiency in English, both writing and speaking

Preferred Qualifications

  • (Strong C# && Unity Engine experience) || (Experience with an entity component model && object-oriented programing)
  • M.S. or PhD in relevant field
  • Ability to meet in person at least once a month in Seattle, WA, United States, but will consider outstanding candidates from anywhere in the world

Company Overview

Giant Army is the company behind Universe Sandbox, a space simulator that’s sold hundreds of thousands of copies on Steam. Our headquarters are in Seattle, Washington, USA, with team members in Montana, Florida, Germany, and Denmark.

Team members enjoy a flexible, collaborative environment. We strive for work-life balance, and we pursue the features that get us excited about science. We do the work so that we can share that with others. We’re also committed to creating an accessible experience that can’t be found elsewhere.

Science is for everyone, and we welcome all qualified applicants.

Product Overview

Universe Sandbox ² is our core product that lets the user explore and learn about our amazing universe and fragile planet while creating and destroying on a scale they’ve never before imagined. It’s more than a game; it’s a way of experiencing and learning about reality in a way that’s never been done before. Early alpha access now available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Apply

Email us: jobs at universesandbox.com In the email please include:

  • Relevant email subject
  • Link to or copy of your resume or CV
  • Answer to these two questions:
    • What is the most appealing part of this opportunity?
    • What feature would you be most interested in adding or helping make better?
  • Where you originally heard about this job posting

Jovian Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere Postdoctoral Researcher

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 24 2015
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Juno

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Jupiter’s magnetic field and magnetosphere, using data from the Juno (New Frontier) mission.

The Juno spacecraft arrives at Jupiter in July 2016. Juno is the first spacecraft to explore Jupiter from a close-in, polar orbit, seeking to unlock secrets about its origin and the origin of the solar system. Juno will probe deep into Jupiter’s interior by mapping the giant planet’s magnetic and gravity fields, peering well below the clouds to determine atmospheric composition, with particular interest in water abundance. Juno will also conduct a study of the polar magnetosphere and auroral phenomena, with fields and particles instruments and both infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers among the payload. Juno’s Magnetic Field Investigation (MAG) employs two identical measurement platforms occupying a 4-meter magnetometer boom mounted at the outer end of one of Juno’s three solar arrays. Each MAG optical bench supports a high-accuracy vector fluxgate magnetometer and a pair of star camera sensors for precision inertial attitude reference. These data and the global coverage of Jupiter provided by the mission plan will result in a detailed model of the Jovian internal field and an unprecedented view of the dynamo.

The selectee will work on site at GSFC in the Solar System Exploration Division as a member of the Juno Magnetometer Investigation Team, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research. Experience with magnetometer instrumentation and data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.

The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be new postdocs or may be more senior. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

Juno Magnetometer
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD 20771,
or Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the Juno mission is found at http://missionjuno.swri.edu/ and http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/main/. Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres/. For information on CRESST and the UMCP’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

IMPRS PhD Scholarships in all fields of Solar System Science at MPS in Göttingen, Germany

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Current state: Approved
Department: International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen
City: Göttingen
Category: , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Sonja Schuh
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Application Due Date: Saturday, November 15 2014
Web Link: http://www.solar-system-school.de

The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen (“Solar System School”) offers a research-oriented doctoral program covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen. Research at the MPS covers three main research areas: “Sun and Heliosphere”, “Solar and Stellar Interiors”, “Planets and Comets”. Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen or, if they choose, another university.

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 Research Campus. Successful applicants receive an attractive scholarship covering relocation support, housing and living expenses and are exempt from tuition fees. The stipend is free of income tax and free of contributions to social insurance. Health insurance is mandatory and has to be paid by the stipend holder. The language of the structured graduate program is English, with German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides travel funds to attend international conferences.

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.

Review of applications for a starting date of September 2015 will begin on 15 November 2014, but other starting times are also negotiable. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be accepted through the online application portal starting in October 2014 at  http://www.solar-system-school.de.

Please direct any further inquiries to the IMPRS scientific coordinator, Dr. Sonja Schuh, at [email protected].

MAVEN Postdoctoral Researcher in Mars Magnetic Fields

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Monday, September 01 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/#MAVEN

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) investigating Mars magnetic fields using data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission.

The MAVEN spacecraft arrives at Mars in September 2014. MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, atmospheric interaction with the Sun and solar wind, and the loss of atmosphere to space. Collaborating onsite at GSFC with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division, the candidate will work directly with the Magnetometer Investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals.

The MAVEN primary mission will last one Earth year from the start of the science mapping phase in November, with an expectation that there may be an extended mission.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be at first year post-doc level or may be more senior.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with experience conducting scientific research related to the Maven science objectives or the types of instruments included in the MAVEN science payload. Disciplined IDL and Fortran programming skills, demonstrated scientific writing ability, and experience in acquisition and analysis of data (especially magnetometer data) from space flight instruments are highly desirable.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

MAVEN
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD 20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the MAVEN mission is found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven and www.nasa.gov/maven. Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres. For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]). The position is available immediately.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. All applications received by September 1, 2014 will receive full consideration.

Mars Magnetic Fields and Upper Atmosphere Postdoctoral Researchers

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Friday, May 23 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/

Applications are now being accepted for two Postdoctoral Research Associates, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Mars magnetic fields and upper atmosphere investigations using data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission.

The MAVEN spacecraft arrives at Mars in September 2014.  MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, atmospheric interaction with the Sun and solar wind, and the loss of atmosphere to space. Both candidates will work on site at GSFC with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division. One candidate will work directly with the Magnetometer Investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Prior experience with magnetometer data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.  Another candidate will work closely with the MAVEN Project Scientist on analysis of the interaction between the Mars upper atmosphere/ionosphere and solar inputs, taking full advantage of data returned by the MAVEN spacecraft’s science payload.

The MAVEN primary mission will last one Earth year from the start of the science mapping phase in November, with an expectation that there may be an extended mission.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be at first year post-doc level or may be more senior.

Candidates for either position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research related to the Maven science objectives or the types of instruments included in the MAVEN science payload.  IDL skills and experience in acquisition and analysis of data from space flight instruments are highly desirable.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

MAVEN
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD  20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the MAVEN mission is found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven and http://www.nasa.gov/maven .  Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres .  For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position is available immediately.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by May 23, 2014 will receive full consideration.