Category: Education/Public Outreach

Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Astronomy and Public Outreach at Boise State University

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Physics
City: Boise
State/Province: Idaho
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Brian Jackson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Boise State University
Application Due Date: Friday, October 31 2025
Web Link: https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/f84b84dd

The Department of Physics at Boise State University invites applicants for a postdoc in Brian Jackson’s group. Expertise in exoplanet transit photometry or Martian atmospheric science desired. The postdoc will also participate in outreach efforts and student advising.

Intended start date is Fall 2025 but can be negotiated. Compensation includes about $55k in salary plus benefits, as well as conference travel, publication charges, and moving expenses. The appointment is for one year with a likely renewal for a second year subject to performance and funding availability. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a related field at appointment.

Boise State University is located in downtown Boise, which is rapidly growing and frequently ranked among the best cities in which to live and work in the US.

Please submit a CV, a 3-page research statement, 1-page outreach statement, & contact information for professional references to https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/499279/post-doctoral-research-fellow. Application review expected to begin first week of Nov with offer by end of Nov. Direct questions to Prof. Brian Jackson – [email protected].

CHEOPS Project Scientist

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Directorate of Science
City: Noordwijk or Madrid
Category: , ,
Country: Netherlands or Spain
Contact Person: Oliver Jennrich
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Thursday, October 02 2025
Web Link: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Project-Scientist/1246661201/

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ’empower Europe to lead space science’.

The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science Programme and provides scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages engagement, communication and education efforts for the Directorate of Science, with the aim of ensuring that external stakeholders are informed, engaged and inspired.

The CHEOPS Project Scientist (PS) interfaces and engages with the ESA astronomical community and the public to keep the mission and its science prominent and visible. In close collaboration with the CHEOPS Principal Investigator and Science Team, the CHEOPS PS ensures that the maximum scientific return from the mission is maintained as a target throughout all phases, keeping within the technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints.
The CHEOPS PS also forms a team working closely with the ESA Exoplanet Team, PLATO PS, and Ariel PS (ESA’s other exoplanet-science missions), in which they engage with and prepare the community for the science from these missions and implement activities that increase the scientific value of these missions with the stakeholders.

The CHEOPS PS may actively pursue personal scientific research, participate in the ESA Science Faculty, and support outreach and educational activities.
You will initially be assigned to be the Project Scientist for CHEOPS mission, during which time you will interface and engage with the ESA astronomical community and the public to keep the mission and its science prominent and visible. In close collaboration with the CHEOPS PI, you will ensure that the maximum scientific return from the mission is maintained as a target throughout all phases, keeping within the technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints. In this role you will report to the Head of the Astrophysics Missions Section in SCI-E.

You will also be assigned the role of CHEOPS Mission Representative. In this role, you will have delegated responsibility for all aspects of the ESA contribution to CHEOPS until the end of the mission post-operations phase. In this role, your main interfaces will include the CHEOPS Mission Consortium, its PI and Mission Manager, the ESA Mission Operations Representative and the PRODEX office. In this role you will report to the Head of the Mission Management and Science Operations Division in the Science Operations Department.

You should also expect to support other activities in the Astronomy Missions Section, such as conducting studies on future missions, as needed.

Please check the above link for more details

Percival Lowell Postdoctoral Fellowship

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Flagstaff
State/Province: AZ
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Gerard van Belle
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Lowell Observatory
Application Due Date: Sunday, November 17 2024
Web Link: https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/

Lowell Observatory invites applications for the Percival Lowell Postdoctoral Fellowship, which aims to attract recent graduates to pursue independent research projects of their own choice in the fields of astronomy, planetary science, and astronomical instrumentation. Fellows are hired for four years, receive an annual salary of $77,000, which will increase each year, relocation reimbursement up to $5,000, and research funds of $20,000 annually to support their scientific program.

Current research at Lowell Observatory spans a wide range of disciplines from planetary science and exoplanets to stellar astrophysics, Galactic and extragalactic astronomy as well as instrumentation. Fellows have access to the full range of resources of the Observatory, including the 4.3-m Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) and its instrument complement including EXPRES and RIMAS, several 1-m class telescopes, the Astrophysical Materials Lab at Northern Arizona University, and our instrumentation and engineering resources. Lowell’s new Astronomy Discovery Center, opening in November 2024, and the award-winning Native American Astronomy Outreach Program offer additional opportunities for fellows to engage in science communication as part of the observatory’s education and public outreach mission. Fellows have the opportunity to lead their own grant proposals during their time at the observatory.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in astronomy, planetary science, or a related field. The PhD must have been awarded before they begin the fellowship, which can be no later than December 1, 2025. Applicants may not have more than the equivalent of 4 years of full-time postdoctoral research activities by the application deadline. Current employees of Lowell Observatory are not eligible. Lowell Observatory is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce; we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Applicants will be assessed according to their scientific potential, their research plan and the feasibility of carrying out the proposed research at Lowell Observatory; interest in science communication and in engaging the public in astronomy and planetary science is a plus.

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

 

Postdoctoral Position in Exoplanet Research and Public Outreach

Posted on
Department: Physics
City: Boise
State/Province: Idaho
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Brian Jackson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Boise State University
Application Due Date: Friday, April 28 2023
Web Link: https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/497493/post-doctoral-research-fellow

The Department of Physics at Boise State University invites applicants for a postdoc in Brian Jackson’s group. Experience in exoplanet transit photometry using space- and ground-based methods desired. The postdoc will also participate in outreach efforts including light pollution measurement, effects on astronomy, and policy in coordination with Dr. Travis Longcore at UCLA. 

Intended start date is summer 2023 but can be negotiated. Compensation includes about $50k in salary plus benefits, conference travel, publication charges, and moving expenses. The appointment is for two years with possible renewal for a third year subject to performance and funding availability. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field at appointment.

Boise State University seeks excellence through inclusiveness and encourages members of historically underrepresented groups to apply. The City of Boise is rapidly growing and is very family-friendly. Boise State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Please submit a CV, a 3-page research statement, 1-page outreach statement, & contact information for professional references to https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/497493/post-doctoral-research-fellow. Application review expected to begin first week of May with offer by end of May. Direct questions to Prof. Brian Jackson – [email protected].

Education Specialist

Posted on
Department: Education
City: Washington
State/Province: District of Columbia
Category:
Country: USA
Contact Person: Molly Abromavage
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: National Air and Space Museum
Application Due Date: Thursday, August 18 2022
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/669913800?fbclid=IwAR1XxUhv_utx-5myHHIkFG15Qr-Qxb1vBKwwvf6evJcN2SWAML1i7eZZ-IY

This position is located in the Education Department-School Programs, National Air and Space Museum (NASM), in the Smithsonian Institution (SI).  The incumbent responsibilities are split between managing the Discovery Station program and coordinating production needs for virtual programming at both the National Mall Building in Washington, DC and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement. This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.

Duties and responsibilities include:

  • Discovery Station Program Manager – Manages the upkeep of 30+ Discovery Stations, including ensuring stations are stocked with all necessary items and are in working order so that they can be successfully presented to visitors.
  • Production Coordinator for Education – Produces media content for visitors, for presentation both virtually and in the physical museum.
  • Education Material Development – Develops training and support materials in collaboration with NASM stakeholders like educators, curators and docent coordinators in order to assist Discovery Station facilitators in learning about and successfully facilitating the Stations.

Four researcher positions related to Mars atmospheric science at NSSTC, UAE University

Posted on
Department: National Space Science and Technology Center
City: Al Ain
State/Province: Abu Dhabi
Category: , , , ,
Country: United Arab Emirates
Contact Person: Roland Young
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: United Arab Emirates University
Application Due Date: Sunday, September 06 2020
Web Link: https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae

The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates invites applications for four researcher positions (two Senior Researchers and two Postdoctoral Fellows) related to Mars atmospheric science, to join NSSTC’s Planetary Science group, part of its Earth and Planetary Science Unit.

For full details of each position, to see the required application materials for each one, and to apply, please search for “Mars” at https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae => Postings => Job Title. Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by 6 September 2020, but the positions will remain open until filled.

Senior Researcher in Emirates Mars Mission related science: We seek an experienced scientist to propose and lead their own research program related to the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), using EMM’s publicly-available dataset, and complementary to existing expertise within the group. The group’s existing Mars expertise is in planetary climate modelling, data assimilation, the dust cycle, and other physical processes relevant to Mars’ lower atmosphere and climate, so the Senior Researcher’s expertise could be in the upper atmosphere, surface or subsurface, polar science, ionosphere, atmospheric chemistry, solar-planetary interactions, or some other topic relevant to EMM.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars atmospheric science: This will focus on Mars dust storms, starting with imagery and dust climatological data from past and existing Mars missions, to gauge the feasibility of extracting information about Mars dust storms from such observations. Once EMM begins its science phase, the researcher will use EMM observations as quantitative constraints on key parameters related to the formation of dust storms, such as dust optical depth, atmospheric and surface temperatures, surface winds, etc. to generate a comprehensive database of Mars dust storms.

Senior Researcher in Earth and Mars atmospheric retrievals: The main goal of this position is to build expertise within the UAE in the area of planetary atmospheric retrievals. We seek an experienced scientist with expertise in UV/visible/IR and thermal IR/microwave atmospheric retrievals to lead a program building local Emirati expertise in atmospheric retrievals, which will involve software development, retrieval product generation, student training, and scientific analysis. The main scientific goals are (1) to convert EMM calibrated spectra into atmospheric quantities, using EMM’s publicly available dataset, building expertise among Emirati students and researchers in the methods and mathematical principles of atmospheric retrievals, radiative transfer modelling, and scientific programming, by involving them at all stages of the process, and (2) to contribute to NSSTC research and development projects in Earth observation where atmospheric retrievals are required.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Mars atmospheric retrievals: We seek a candidate with expertise in UV/visible/IR and/or thermal IR/microwave atmospheric retrievals to work alongside the Senior Researcher above, working towards the same goals.

In all cases there may also be the possibility to be involved in teaching UAEU’s new MSc in Space Science course, which is anticipated to run for the first time in Spring 2021.

NSSTC is a research and development institute of some 50 staff located on the UAE University campus in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, about 90 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. UAEU is the largest and highest-ranked public university in the UAE.

The Center was established jointly by UAEU, the UAE Space Agency, and the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ICT-Fund), motivated by UAEU’s desire to strengthen its role in and contribute to the needs of the nation in space science and technology, and to become a space science and technology hub for the region. NSSTC focuses on research and development, higher education, and community outreach. The Center’s priorities are three-fold: excellence in space science, leadership in space technology, and providing innovative solutions to a broad spectrum of societal challenges.

Currently nearing completion at UAEU is NSSTC’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing facility for satellites up to 250 kg, with the capability of building multiple satellites at a time. It will also support UAEU student CubeSat projects. The facility will include a cleanroom, thermal vacuum chamber, vibration system, and anechoic chamber. Once complete, this facility will also include a ground station and mission control. The Center’s other facilities include Global Navigation Satellite System and In Space Resources Utilisation laboratories, and NSSTC’s research staff also have access to UAEU’s supercomputing cluster.

NSSTC has expertise in spacecraft communications and precision positioning, on-board real-time systems, space situational awareness, global navigation systems, space resource utilization, geospatial information systems, Earth observation, and planetary science.

Visiting Faculty

Posted on
Department: Physics & Astronomy
City: Provo
State/Province: UT
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jean-Francois Van Huele
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Brigham Young University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, November 15 2017
Web Link: https://jobs.physicstoday.org/jobs/10346996

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, invites applications for a one-year (but renewable up to three years) visiting professional faculty position to begin in 2018.  The new faculty member will be expected to support existing research programs (see http://www.physics.byu.edu), with particular emphasis on providing excellent mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels and on building connections with industry. Interested candidates should complete an online faculty application at https://yjobs.byu.edu (posting 66871), with a cover letter outlining research and industrial experience as well as professional aspirations, a current CV, and provide the contact information for three references. For additional info, contact [email protected].  Completed applications received by November 1, 2017 will be given full consideration. BYU, an equal opportunity employer, requires all faculty members to observe the university’s honor code and dress and grooming standards.  Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Physics & Astronomy Faculty

Posted on
Department: Physics & Astronomy
City: Provo
State/Province: UT
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jean-Francois Van Huele
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Brigham Young University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, November 15 2017
Web Link: https://jobs.physicstoday.org/jobs/10347010

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, invites applications for a faculty position to begin in August 2018.  The new faculty member will be expected to provide excellent teaching and research mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All new faculty members are also expected to develop externally-funded research programs of significance. We are seeking applicants in the fields of Acoustics, Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Astronomy, Condensed Matter Physics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Numerical Relativity, Physics Education Research/Astronomy Education Research, Plasma Physics, Quantum Information, or Theoretical Physics to strengthen and complement existing research programs (see http://www.physics.byu.edu). Interested candidates should complete an online faculty application at https://yjobs.byu.edu (posting 66856), with a cover letter outlining teaching and research experience and aspirations, a current CV, and provide the contact information for three references. For additional info, contact [email protected]. Completed applications received by November 15, 2017 will be given full consideration. BYU, an equal opportunity employer, requires all faculty members to observe the university’s honor code and dress and grooming standards.  Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.