Category: Geochemistry

PhD Student Position (4 years) in Chemistry with focus on Planetary Geochemistry and Spectroscopy

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Department: Chemistry
City: Umeå
Category: , , , ,
Country: Sweden
Contact Person: Merve Yesilbas
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Umeå University
Application Due Date: Friday, September 23 2022
Web Link: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/ph.d.-in-chemistry-with-focus-on-planetary-geochemistry-and-spectroscopy_537288/

Is there water on Mars? What is the role of water in martian geochemical history? How can we reveal the potential water resources for future human explorations on Mars?

If you are interested in discovering all these fascinating phenomena related to Mars, you are welcome to apply for a fully funded four-year PhD student position.

The doctoral student will conduct mainly experimental work by preparing several martian analogues including sulfate and Cl-salt mixtures, and conducting cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy experiments at our laboratory. Furthermore, the doctoral student will perform the remote sensing analyzes from Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) of NASA by bridging the laboratory spectra to the martian orbit data to understand aqueous history of Mars.

The successful candidate should have a MSc or equivalent degree in geochemistry, planetary science, astrobiology and physical chemistry. Practical experience in vibrational spectroscopy to characterize minerals, rocks and soils and/or advanced spectral data evaluation (MATLAB, R, Python) are meriting. Experience in remote sensing (ENVI-IDL) software is also meriting but not requirement.

You must apply through our e-recruitment system. Log in and apply using the link at the bottom of the page. The application deadline is Sep 23rd, 2022. 

https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/ph.d.-in-chemistry-with-focus-on-planetary-geochemistry-and-spectroscopy_537288/

Further information can be obtained from Assistant Prof. Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş , e-mail: [email protected],  web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com. We look forward to receiving your application!

Research Space Scientist

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Department: Solar System Exploration Division
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jamie Elsila Cook
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Monday, July 25 2022
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/

The Science & Exploration Directorate, Solar System Exploration Division, Astrochemistry Laboratory (Code 691) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is seeking a planetary scientist with a focus on contamination control and returned samples, for a civil servant position.  The successful candidate will work as a member of the Artemis Internal Science team to define, develop, and implement sample contamination plans, as well as carrying out cutting-edge research related to planetary surface properties, the Moon, airless bodies, and/or priority planetary targets for future exploration. Expertise is required in defining or developing science requirements for sample analyses, including contamination considerations, as well as in leading collaborative groups and overseeing research . This is a GS- 14 level position located at NASA-Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland near Washington, DC.

A full vacancy announcement, which contains further information including qualification requirements and application instructions, will be posted on July 21 to https://www.usajobs.gov/ and remain open for five days. The short period that the announcement is open is due to the type of hiring authority, and is not a reflection of the openness of the position.

Research Scientist, Origin of life/Prebiotic Chemistry

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Department: Science Division
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Category: , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Cheryl Cooperstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Application Due Date: Monday, April 25 2022
Web Link: https://citjpl.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Jobs/job/JPL-Campus/Research-Scientist--Origin-of-life-Prebiotic-Chemistry_R1926

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology invites applications for a staff Scientist in the Laboratory Studies group in the Planetary Science Section at JPL. In this position, you will conduct origin of life/prebiotic chemistry experimental studies and related  astrobiology research.  You will also participate in mission formulation activities, with an emphasis on mission concepts involving Ocean Worlds and Mars life detection/habitability. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop an independently funded research program and will pursue new lines of research focusing on experimental origin of life research and life detection. You will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and give talks at national and international conferences.

This position requires the following qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry with focus on synthetic organic and/or organometallic chemistry or related technical or scientific discipline
  • Experience with experimentation on and analysis of complex organic biological molecules in a planetary context, including mineral / metal driven catalysis of organics.
  • Experience in the design, construction and operation of novel experimental systems to address astrobiology questions, esp. high pressure systems; Experience with sample handling and analysis of oxygen sensitive materials.
  • 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
  • Familiarity with/ongoing participation in the astrobiology community, and in relating experimental studies and techniques to mission relevant strategic efforts

The following qualifications are preferred:

  • 3-5 years of related post-doc experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team of experimental scientists
  • Experience coordinating experiments and analysis between institutes / NASA centers / local universities and non-profits
  • History of writing successful external research funding proposals
  • Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills

To view the full description of this unique opportunity and apply, please visit: https://citjpl.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Jobs/job/JPL-Campus/Research-Scientist–Origin-of-life-Prebiotic-Chemistry_R1926.

Applications received by April 25, 2022, will receive full consideration.

W3 Professor in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

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Department: Institut für Planetologie
City: Münster
State/Province: North Rhein Westphalia
Category: , , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Prof. Norbert Hölzel
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Münster, Germany
Application Due Date: Sunday, March 20 2022
Web Link: https://www.uni-muenster.de/Rektorat/Stellen/ausschreibungen/st_20220222_mb2.html

The Institut für Planetologie in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Münster, Germany, invites applications for a tenured position as a

W3 Professor
in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

Applicants are expected to represent experimental and analytical planetology in both research and teaching. We welcome applications from candidates from all fields of planetology, including micro/nano analytics of planetary materials, cosmochemistry, cosmic mineralogy, impact research, modelling of planetary processes and systems, and experimental research in planetology. Applications from candidates with previous involvement in space missions are particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will have an outstanding research record and a strong research profile. They will be expected to collaborate with other groups at the institute and within the faculty. They will have broad interests in planetology and experience in the application of analytical/experimental methodologies in research and teaching. We also expect active participation in the teaching of planetary and Earth sciences courses at BSc and MSc levels.

The successful candidate will have experience in the acquisition and management of external funds.

The prerequisites for the application are a doctoral degree in geosciences or natural sciences and academic credentials such as a Juniorprofessorship (assistant professorship), a Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification), previous experience as an academic staff member at a university or non-university research institute, or in a research position in business, industry, administration or other relevant fields in Germany or abroad.

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of senior women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities.

The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.

Applications should be sent by email as a single PDF-file. The application must include a cover letter, CV, academic certificates, a publication list, a list of successfully raised funds, documentation of the teaching experience, and research and teaching statements. Applications must be received by March 20, 2022 and should be sent to the Dean of the Faculty:

Prof. Norbert Hölzel
Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences
University of Münster
Heisenbergstr. 2
48149 Münster
Germany
Email: [email protected]

Further information concerning the Institut für Planetologie can be found at: https://www.uni-muenster.de/Planetology/en/ifp/home.html

Questions and requests for further information should be directed to Prof. Harald Hiesinger ([email protected]).

Assistant Professor of Cosmochemistry

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Department: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
City: Copenhagen
Category: , , ,
Country: Denmark
Contact Person: Martin Schiller
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Globe Institute University of Copenhagen
Application Due Date: Tuesday, March 22 2022
Web Link: https://employment.ku.dk/all-vacancies/?show=155963

Assistant Professor of Cosmochemistry at the Globe Institute
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor who will join our group at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation for a two year position to commence 16th of June 2022.

The main focus of this research position is centred on elucidating the timescales and processes leading to the formation of the Solar System’s habitable planetary architecture by measurement of isotopic variations in extra-terrestrial materials.

Information on the department can be found at: https://globe.ku.dk/  

Our research
The Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Starplan is a research section of the Globe Institute focused on understanding the formation of planetary systems, including the Solar System, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines astronomy, astrophysics and cosmochemistry. Further information on the Institute is linked at https://globe.ku.dk and about Starplan at https://globe.ku.dk/research/starplan/.  

Your job
We seek a highly-motivated individual with a strong background in isotope geochemistry to join a dynamic group to pursue innovative research and take full advantage of the multidisciplinary environment the centre offers, including state-of-the-art isotope facilities. These include thermal-ionization and multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (Thermo Scientific Triton, Neptune and Neoma, respectively) as well as ultra-clean laboratories. We also expect that the individual will contribute to the management and running of the clean laboratory and provide laboratory support for MSc and PhD students of the centre.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

  • research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
  • research-based teaching
  • sharing knowledge with society
  • participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

  • You have a PhD in Earth and planetary sciences.
  • Strong scientific track record demonstrated by high-quality publications in peer reviewed international journals as first author in the field of cosmochemistry.
  • The candidate should be able to conduct independent and creative research and show good inter-personal and communication skills.
  • Strong background in mass spectrometry or related analytical techniques.
  • You are excellent in written and oral communication in English.
  • You have experience in research collaborations and have demonstrated enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility and confidence.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The start date is the 16th of June 2022.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation.

Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 37.507,78 (April 2022 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not been tax liable to Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2000. 

Questions
For further information please contact Martin Schiller; e-mail [email protected]; www.sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your application may be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

  1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
  2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
  3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate or equivalent. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do
  4. List of publications
  5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: 22 March 2022, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Postdoc Position in Planetary/Exoplanet Geophysics

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Department: Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
City: Providence
State/Province: RI
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Alex Evans
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Brown University
Application Due Date: Friday, April 22 2022
Web Link: https://ghosst.alexjevans.com/2022/02/10/postdoctoral-position-in-exoplanet-geophysics/

The Brown University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in exoplanet and habitability evolution modeling. Ideal candidates are those with experience in the development and/or modeling of mantle thermochemical evolution on planetary bodies.

The successful applicant will be based in DEEPS and will work with a cross-disciplinary research team in both DEEPS and the Department of Physics to carry out research that integrates models of mantle thermochemical evolution and atmospheric evolution to understand how exoplanets evolve through time.

Interested individuals should have a Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Geophysics, Physics/Astronomy, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field. A start date by Summer/Fall 2022 is expected, but earlier and later start dates will be considered.

Research will be primarily advised by Professor Alex Evans. Selected applicant will have the opportunity to collaborate with Brown DEEPS Professors Steve Parman and  Dan Ibarra, Brown Physics Professor Gregory Tucker, Dr. Matthew Weller at LPI, and Professor Alexandria Johnson of Purdue University.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

If interested, please send a CV and brief statement of research interests and future research goals that highlights any previous experience with mantle, atmospheric, or exoplanet modeling and analyses to exoplanets [at] brown [dot] edu.

Any questions can be directed to Alex Evans, alex_evans [at] brown [dot] edu.

Mars 2020 Postdoc

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Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Briony Horgan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 28 2022
Web Link: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Post-Doc-Research-Associate-IN-47906/853529100/

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science at Purdue University has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Mastcam-Z team on the Perseverance rover, part of the Mars 2020 mission, to conduct geological investigations using Mastcam-Z images and multispectral data in concert with other payload and remote sensing datasets. Possible investigation topics include but are not limited to igneous, fluvial, and impact processes, as well as diagenesis and alteration, as observed in Jezero crater and through regional and global context studies. The postdoc would also support Mastcam-Z and project-level operations roles and actively participate in collaborative team scientific activities. A PhD in geology, planetary science, or a closely related field is required. Experience in reflectance spectroscopy or remote sensing data analysis is preferred. The position is available immediately and is expected to run for 2 years pending availability of funding.  A background check is required for employment in this position. The position will remain open until filled.

 

Please direct all questions to Prof. Briony Horgan ([email protected]).  Applications should include a CV, the names and contact information of 3 professional references, and a cover letter summarizing relevant past experience for the position and why you are interested in the position.

 

Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Post-doctoral position in Isotope Geochemistry

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Department: Bayerisches Geoinstitut
City: Bayreuth
Category: , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Dr. Remco Hin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bayreuth
Application Due Date: Monday, November 01 2021

European Research Council funded post-doctoral position in isotope geochemistry to investigate potassium isotope fractionation during Solar system formation

Hosted at the Bavarian Geoinstitute for Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany)

Applications are being received until the position is filled

 

Position.  The BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany, is seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral position to investigate potassium isotope fractionation during Solar system formation. The candidate will develop potassium isotope analysis by double-spiked thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) in tandem with development of measurement by collision cell MC-ICPMS and apply these methods to the analysis of various meteorites, terrestrial rocks and experimental samples.

The position is part of a project that seeks to quantify the role of vapour loss during planet formation and is funded by European Research Council Starting Grant Vaploss. As such, the candidate will become part of a team of two post-doctoral researchers who will work jointly with the PI (Dr. Remco Hin) on the project.

The position is funded for 3 years. The salary will be based on grade E13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Working environment.  The BGI has a long history of research into Earth and planetary sciences, including chemical and physical aspects of planetary accretion. This environment provides the candidate with ample opportunity for collaborations, which will be encouraged.

In addition to its existing experimental, analytical and computational facilities, the BGI will open new cleanrooms for trace metal isotope geochemistry (planned in December 2021) and a mass spectrometry facility equipped with state-of-the-art (laser-ablation) MC-ICPMS instrumentation.

The project further consists of collaborations with the Bristol Isotope Group (Prof. Tim Elliott) at the University of Bristol, where part of the analyses will take place, and with Prof. Audrey Bouvier (BGI) regarding meteoritical analyses.

Application requirements.  The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field. Preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience with mass spectrometry, ideally with experience in developing new protocols, especially as applied to solid Earth or other planetary studies. Good communication skills in English are desirable, as is the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

The application should consist of a single pdf file containing a CV (max. 2 pages), list of publications, contact details for two suitable referees, and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) detailing your research experience and your motivation to apply for this position. The application file should be sent to Dr. Remco Hin ([email protected]), who can also be contacted by potential applicants for further inquiries about the position.

Post-doctoral position in Geophysics/Planetary physics

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Department: Bayerisches Geoinstitut
City: Bayreuth
Category: , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Dr. Remco Hin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bayreuth
Application Due Date: Monday, November 01 2021

European Research Council funded post-doctoral position in geophysics/planetary physics to model volatile loss processes occurring during planetary growth

Hosted at the Bavarian Geoinstitute for Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany)

Applications are being received until the position is filled

 

Position.  The BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany, is seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral position to numerically model volatile loss processes occurring during planetary growth. The work will focus on describing the formation of vapour above magma and escape of this vapour from the gravitational influence of growing planetary objects, and integrating chemical fractionation during these processes.

The position is part of a project that seeks to quantify the role of volatile loss during planetary growth and is funded by European Research Council Starting Grant Vaploss. As such, the candidate will become part of a team of two post-doctoral researchers who will work jointly with the PI (Dr. Remco Hin) on the project.

The position is funded for 2 years. The salary will be based on grade E13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Working environment.  The BGI has a long history of research into Earth and planetary sciences, including chemical and physical aspects of planetary accretion. This environment provides the candidate with ample opportunity for collaborations, which will be encouraged.

The project further consists of a close collaboration with Prof. Francis Nimmo (University of California Santa Cruz) on modelling volatile loss mechanisms, with Dr. Zoe Leinhardt (University of Bristol) on planetary growth models, and with Prof. G. Golabek (BGI) on heat inputs during planetary accretion.

Application requirements.  The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and preferably have post-doctoral experience. Good mathematical skills and communication skills in English are desirable, as is the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

The application should consist of a single pdf file containing a CV (max. 2 pages), list of publications, contact details for two suitable referees, and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) detailing your research experience and your motivation to apply for this position. The application file should be sent to Dr. Remco Hin ([email protected]), who can also be contacted by potential applicants for further inquiries about the position.

Assistant Professor – Tenure Track in Planetary Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle

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Department: Earth & Space Sciences
City: Seattle
State/Province: Washington
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Institution: University of Washington
Application Due Date: Friday, May 07 2021
Web Link: http://apply.interfolio.com/85329

The University of Washington Department of Earth and Space Sciences seeks an outstanding
scientist working at the forefront of research in one of more of the following areas:
planetary geology, geomorphology, geochemistry, glaciology, or geophysics. The candidate may
focus on observations, experiments, and/ or modeling of planetary surfaces, atmospheres, or
interiors of planets, exoplanets, or moons. We seek a colleague who can provide high quality
teaching and contribute collaboratively to research within the department, college, and
across campus, for example, the university?s Astrobiology Program.
For full applications details, please see:   apply.interfolio.com/85329

Preference will be given to applications received by May 7th, 2021.