Category: Exoplanets

Postdoctoral Associate in Exoplanet Science

Posted on
City: Flagstaff
State/Province: AZ
Category:
Country: USA
Contact Person: Catie Blazek
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Lowell Observatory
Application Due Date: Friday, January 15 2021
Web Link: https://lowell.edu/about/employment/

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Lowell Observatory to work on exoplanet detection, confirmation, and characterization. This position will be supervised by Dr. Joe Llama.

The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for an additional year contingent upon satisfactory performance, and availability of resources. The position is expected to be split with 80% of the time dedicated to the main program and 20% for any other research of the postdoc’s choosing. The start date is negotiable. This position is funded by active grants and comes with a competitive salary with full benefits. Funding is available for computer resources, attending conferences, publication charges, and observing runs. Postdocs at the Observatory have access to our 4.3m Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) including the EXtreme PREcision Spectrograph (EXPRES), as well as several 1-m class telescopes. Lowell offers numerous opportunities for involvement in education and public outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Llama on both analyzing existing observations of exoplanet systems and also obtaining new observations EXPRES on the LDT and other high-resolution spectrographs including IGRINS on Gemini South, iSHELL on NASA’s IRTF.

The postdoc will contribute to some combination of the following tasks:

  • Conduct regular telescopic observations, either remotely or on site to measure the masses of newly discovered planets from the TESS survey.
  • Characterize exoplanet atmospheres with high-resolution optical and infrared spectroscopy.
  • Develop new software tools and techniques for removing telluric contamination from high-resolution infrared spectra.
  • Commission and develop curriculum for a medium-resolution optical spectrograph for use by the Observatory’s Outreach team to demonstrate spectroscopy to the general public.
  • Lead publications relevant to this work.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

The postdoctoral associate should have experience with observations and analysis of data specific to exoplanet science.

Strong programming skills are highly desired. Experience with the Python programming language is preferred.

Regular meetings with project team members are expected, but in general the postdoc will be encouraged to work independently.  They must be able to prioritize tasks, set schedules, troubleshoot problems, and complete complex tasks on time and within deadlines. 

The postdoc is expected to reflect the professional and collegial environment the Observatory strives to maintain.

Applicants should specify in their research statement why they are interested in this position.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

A PhD in physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a closely related field is required by the start date.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working at a computer and sitting for extended periods. Driving to remote telescope sites to conduct nighttime observations. Candidate must have or be able to obtain a valid AZ Driver’s license and have an excellent driving record.  A Motor Vehicle department background check will be performed annually. 

Compensation Type:                     Salary
FLSA Classification:                      Exempt
Status:                                             Full time, regular
Term:                                               1 year with possibility of annual renewal
Benefit Eligible:                              Yes
Location:                                         Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory’s Mars Hill Campus

To Apply:

Please send a single pdf document to [email protected] that includes the following:

  • Lowell Short Form Application (http://lowell.edu/about/employment)
  • A 1-page cover letter
  • CV
  • A statement of research accomplishments and future research plans. Candidates should explicitly describe how their experience and interests are relevant to this position. (3 pages)
  • Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references
     

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2021.

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITIONS IN EXOPLANET SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Ann Arbor
State/Province: Michigan
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Michael R. Meyer
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Michigan
Application Due Date: Monday, January 04 2021

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Michigan welcomes applications for one (or more) post-doctoral positions to join the Formation and Evolution
of Planetary Systems research group (https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/feps/ <http://www.lsa.umich.edu/astro/
<[email protected] <https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/astro-dei
<

Two Faculty Positions in Exoplanets and Planetary Sciences

Posted on
Department: Department of Science and Engineering
City: Santiago
Category: , , , ,
Country: Chile
Contact Person: Andres Jordan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Universidad Adolfo Ibanez
Application Due Date: Sunday, November 01 2020
Web Link: https://ingenieria.uai.cl/assets/uploads/2020/10/astro2020_uai.pdf

The Faculty of Engineering and Sciences (FES) of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) in Santiago, Chile, seeks applications for up to two open rank faculty positions in the area of exoplanet and planetary science beginning as soon as March 1, 2021.  All candidates in exoplanet or planetary science, broadly defined, are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in the following areas: planetary interiors, atmospheres, habitability, and studies of solar system objects. For one of the positions we are looking for applicants in the area of theoretical or computational astrophysics. Candidates should have a demonstrated potential or ability to pursue a high impact research program.

The successful candidates will join Professors Rafael Brahm, Andres Jordan and Gijs Mulders  at the newly created Astrophysics group at FES/UAI focused on exoplanet and planetary science. The chosen candidates are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics, Astronomy, and related fields, in Spanish and/or English. Candidates do not need to be fluent in Spanish at the moment of applying. The successful candidate will have access to 10% of all telescope time on major facilities in Chile, including VLT, ALMA, Gemini, Magellan, and other telescopes in the country, as well as access to future facilities such as the GMT and E-ELT. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a reference, an Assistant Professor should expect an annual remuneration ranging between 36 and 48 million CLP (approximately 46,000 and 62,000 USD at the current exchange rate, respectively). This salary does not include potential additions from grants or research contracts.

Applications require: a cover letter, a complete curriculum vitae, and a description (5 pages maximum) of research and teaching interests. Contact information for at least three letters of recommendation must also be submitted. Applicants should apply by submitting the above materials as a single pdf file to <[email protected]> with the subject “Job Position in Exoplanet and Planetary Sciences”. Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2020 to ensure full consideration.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. At FES we believe that diversity broadens our research scope and enhances the quality of our education, so we highly encourage women, international scholars and minorities to apply for these positions.

Research Scientist II, Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres

Posted on
Department: Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Cheryl Cooperstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Application Due Date: Monday, November 23 2020
Web Link: http://jpl.jobs/jobs/2020-12485-Research-Scientist-II-Planetary-and-Exoplanetary-Atmospheres

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology invites applications for a staff Scientist in the Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres group in the Planetary Science Section at JPL. In this position, you will perform observational studies of giant planet atmospheres from ground-based and airborne facilities and pursue research into the temporal and spatial structure of cloud and gas abundance distributions in the upper atmospheres of both the Gas and Ice Giants. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop an independently funded research program and will pursue new lines of research focusing on the chemistry and dynamics of the atmospheres of planets in the solar system.

 

This position requires the following qualifications:

  • Ph.D. degree in planetary science, planetary physics, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with telescopic observations of planetary atmospheres, including those of the Outer Planets (Ice Giants and Gas Giants), particularly as it relates to support of active missions and missions in development.  Familiarity with operating procedures and principles of large ground-based and/or airborne telescopes, and success in obtaining telescopic observing time
  • Peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals in the aforementioned fields.
  • Demonstrated professional reputation as a productive researcher with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and/or international conferences.

The following qualifications are preferred:

  • 3+ years’ minimum experience following the Ph.D. in research in planetary science, planetary physics, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry or related field.
  • Experience using numerical methods to retrieve temperature, cloud and gas abundance distributions in the atmosphere of the Ice Giants (Uranus/Neptune) and Gas Giants (Jupiter/Saturn).
  • Familiarity with existing software packages for retrieval of temperature profiles, cloud properties and gaseous abundance distribution
  • History of writing successful external research funding proposals
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad scientific community and the public.
  • Prior involvement in activities of service to the community, including, but not limited to, review boards, telescope time allocation panels, proposal and manuscript review.

To view the full description of this unique opportunity (including EEO statement and NASA requirements) and apply, please visit: http://jpl.jobs/jobs/2020-12485-Research-Scientist-II-Planetary-and-Exoplanetary-Atmospheres. Applications received by November 23, 2020, will receive full consideration.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Posted on
Department: Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science
City: Flagstaff
State/Province: AZ
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tyler Robinson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Northern Arizona University
Application Due Date: Monday, March 30 2020
Web Link: https://bit.ly/2vsXsEe

The Habitability, Atmospheres, and Biosignatures Laboratory (www.hablab.net) in the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University seeks a postdoctoral scholar to join the research group.  The HABLab works primarily on understanding techniques for characterizing exoplanetary atmospheres for signs of habitability and life.  These investigations are carried out using spacecraft data as well as a variety of tools for modeling planetary climate and radiation.  We seek candidates that will explore applications of retrieval analyses to simulated direct imaging observations of Earth-like exoplanets to constrain surface properties and habitability.

Staff Scientist in Astronomy or Planetary Science

Posted on
Department: Division of Earth and Planets (formerly DTM/GL)
City: Washington
State/Province: District of Columbia
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Carnegie Institution for Science
Application Due Date: Sunday, February 18 2018
Web Link: https://jobs.carnegiescience.edu/jobs/staff-scientist-in-astronomy-or-planetary-science/

The Carnegie Institution for Science (Washington, DC campus) invites applications for a staff scientist in astronomy or planetary science.  We are particularly interested in candidates with research emphases in laboratory experiment, theory, or observation of planet formation or (exo)planetary atmospheres. We encourage applications from those interested in cross-disciplinary areas that complement or expand our existing strengths in Earth, planetary, and exoplanet science. We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from individuals with a diverse set of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

The Carnegie Institution is a basic research organization committed to exploring intriguing scientific questions.  Carnegie staff scientists hold 12-month salaried appointments and pursue independent research supported by a combination of endowment and federal funds.  Staff scientists do not have teaching duties, but we place considerable emphasis on mentoring postdoctoral scholars.

Carnegie’s Department of Terrestrial Magnetism and Geophysical Laboratory are merging into a single division that will continue to provide staff scientists with the resources to pursue fundamental research on planet formation, (exo)planets, and planetary evolution, including state-of-the-art laboratories, computer clusters, and a partnership with Carnegie’s Observatories that includes access to Las Campanas Observatory.  In a separate ad, we are searching for a second staff scientist with interests in planetary petrology, magmatic volatiles, or geo/cosmochemical approaches to planet evolution. Information about our current research programs can be found at http://dtm.carnegiescience.edu/research and https://gl.carnegiescience.edu/our-research.  Our vision for interdisciplinary planetary research can be found at https://planets.carnegiescience.edu/.  Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and propose a world-class research program.

To apply, please submit (1) cover letter with the names and addresses of three references, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) list of publications, (4) abstracts of your two most relevant and important papers, (5) a 2-3 page summary of previous research, and (6) a research plan of up to 5 pages through the “Apply Now” button below.  You may email [email protected] with any questions.

Review of applications will begin immediately with a deadline of 18 February 2020.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

Postdoctoral researcher in exoplanet observations (SAINT-EX)

Posted on
Department: Center for Space and Habitability
City: Bern
Category: , ,
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Brice-Olivier Demory
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Friday, January 10 2020
Web Link: https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/jobs/3f797e2c-bc5a-4a5e-b80b-276db2397724

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral position at the Centre for Space and Habitability (CSH, http://csh.unibe.ch) of the University of Bern. 

The successful applicant will work as a member of the SAINT-EX research team led by Prof. Brice-Olivier Demory (http://www.saintex.unibe.ch). The Postdoctoral researcher will be expected to conduct a competitive research programme in exoplanets and will be coordinating the science operations of the SAINT-EX ground-based observatory. SAINT-EX is a 1-m, fully robotic telescope located in San Pedro Martir (Mexico) that focuses 1) on the search for transiting exoplanets orbiting ultra-cool dwarfs (similar to TRAPPIST-1) and 2) in providing ground-based support to the ESA CHEOPS mission (launch Dec 2019). The successful Postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to be involved in the SPECULOOS collaboration. A high-degree of interaction with the CSH members is also expected.

Candidates with previous expertise in exoplanet observations and/or ground-based telescope operations are strongly encouraged to apply. 

As per the University of Bern’s rules, candidates to this position should have been awarded their PhD after 1 August 2017.

Starting salary is 87’750 CHF, with an initial appointment of 2 years. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered. The earliest starting date is 1 August 2020. The position comes with a research budget for travel, publication costs and computing resources. 

Applications are invited from all nationalities and should consist of 1) a cover letter, 2) a CV, 3) a research proposal (3 pages), 4) a summary of past achievements (1 page), 5) a list of publications and 6) the names of 3 references. Materials should be submitted through the web interface at: https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/jobs/3f797e2c-bc5a-4a5e-b80b-276db…

Applications received by 10 January 2020 will receive full consideration.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Exoplanetary/Planetary Science

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Riverside
State/Province: California
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Stephen Kane
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of California, Riverside
Application Due Date: Friday, January 10 2020
Web Link: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/2af252b8

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scholar position at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). The successful applicant will work in the Astrobiology Center as a member of a group led by Dr. Stephen Kane. The primary research activities in this group cover a broad range of exoplanet and astrobiology topics, including planetary science, exoplanet detection, characterization, orbital dynamics, atmospheres, and habitability. Typical data sources used within the research group are Kepler, Keck, Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), the Automated Planet Finder (APF), MINERVA-Australis, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), and various ground-based photometric telescopes. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also be encouraged to pursue their own research program and collaborate in the various astrobiology research programs being undertaken in the UCR Astrobiology Center.

Candidates must hold a PhD in astronomy, physics, planetary sciences, or related field before their start date. Experience in the fields of exoplanetary and/or planetary science is preferred. The position is for one year with expected renewals for a second and third year contingent upon satisfactory research performance. The salary is competitive, and health benefits are provided.

Applicants are requested to submit via email a single PDF file containing a current CV, list of publications, and statement of research interests. The applicant should also arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted, also via email. Complete applications are due by January 10, 2020. E-mail inquiries and application materials should be addressed to: [email protected].

The University of California, Riverside is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, committed to excellence through diversity. We strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

Associate Professor in Exoplanets and Mullard Space Science Lab at UCL

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
City: London
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Contact Person: Mark Cropper
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University College London
Application Due Date: Monday, December 02 2019
Web Link: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/480963fb

At the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) at UCL we are recruiting an Associate Professor in Exoplanets. More details can be found here: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/480963fb                                                                               
                                                                                                                                    
The position is based at the Mullard Space Science Lab which is part of UCL (see also http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mssl). MSSL is located in the beautiful nature of the Surrey hills, while the center of London is never far away. MSSL offers an exciting environment for exoplanet science: the lab has a strong involvement in the ESA PLATO mission, there is a vibrant research domain focused on the solar system, and I have also just started an exoplanet research group there. At the UCL Physics & Astronomy department in the center of London, Giovanna Tinetti is PI of the ESA ARIEL mission.                                                 
                                                                                                                                    
All interested candidates are warmly encouraged to apply. Please feel free to forward this to any relevant colleagues.               
                                                                                                                                    
The closing date for applications is 2 December. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Cropper ([email protected]) or Vincent Van Eylen ([email protected]) .
 

Postdoctoral Scholar in Earth and Planetary Sciences at UCR

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Earth and Planetary Sciences
City: Riverside
State/Province: California
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maryjo Brounce
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of California Riverside
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 01 2019

I am seeking to hire a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside to pursue independent research in my group. I am seeking a researcher who would work on project(s) that is/are broadly related to my research interests. My research has been focused on the effect of bulk redox conditions and volatile contents on igneous rock-forming processes, and the processes that link the compositions of surface environments and the deep interiors of Earth and other rocky planets. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UCR has a diverse faculty with expertise ranging from exoplanets, seismicity and fault motions, deep Earth structure, paleoceanography paleoclimate, Earth history, and organic geochemistry. I am particularly interested in researchers who can describe a vision for collaborative and cross-disciplinary work, within our departmental expertise and/or beyond. Appointment will be for one year, with the option to renew for a second year pending satisfactory progress.                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                  
Job Requirements: Skills: A Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or a closely related field, with laboratory, analytical, experimental, and/or theoretical experience in geochemistry, igneous, and/or metamorphic petrology. The successful candidate must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills, including a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Ability to work collaboratively in a department with diverse research interests is required.
                                                                                                                                                                                    
To Apply: Please send: (1) a cover letter, (2) a short (two page) research proposal, and (3) a curriculum vitae directly to Dr. Maryjo Brounce at [email protected]. Additionally, please have three references send letters of recommendation on your behalf directly to Dr. Maryjo Brounce (at [email protected]). Applications received prior to December 1, 2019 will be given priority consideration.                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                    
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                    
UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.