Category: Laboratory

Astrobiologist (Physical Scientist, Solar Systems Analysis)

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Astrochemistry Laboratory
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Natasha Johnson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Monday, April 11 2022
Web Link: http://www.usajobs.gov

The Astrochemistry Laboratory of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a full-time analytical research scientist specializing in astrobiology and astrochemistry to work within the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory. The successful candidate will study molecular distributions, enantiomeric ratios, and compound-specific stable isotopic compositions of soluble organic compounds in extraterrestrial material to inform the origin of life on Earth and solar system formation. This astrobiology position entails developing productive collaborative relationships, leading ground-breaking research, and providing input into future mission/instrument design. This is a GS-13/14 level civil servant position located at NASA-Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland near Washington, DC.

The posting will run from Thursday, April 7 through Monday, April 11, 2022. Please submit your application during these dates through the USAJobs website (www.usajobs.gov).  

W3 Professor in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
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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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
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.

Postdoctoral Research in Remote Sensing/Machine Learning

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Current state: Approved
City: Upton
State/Province: NY
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Martin Schoonen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Brookhaven National Laboratory
Application Due Date: Monday, February 14 2022
Web Link: https://jobs.bnl.gov/job/upton/remote-sensing-post-doc/3437/21805821008

Position Description:

The Nonproliferation and National Security Department has an opening for a Post Doc to assist with the development of remote sensing algorithms to monitor uranium mining activities.  The development of the algorithms will be based on new, high-quality laboratory spectral data that will be acquired as part of an international multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary effort. The position will require close collaboration with the partner institutions.  This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, test, and validate machine-learning image processing and analysis methods
  • Participate in a multi-institutional proof-of-concept study
  • Maintain spectral data base and upload data to community spectral data bases
  • Assist in and help coordinate experimental work to collect laboratory spectral data

The position is based at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York (Long Island) and the selected candidate will work closely with project team members at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. 

Postdoc Researcher, Laboratory Analysis Presolar Grains

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Houston
State/Province: TX
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Lisa Gaddis
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: USRA / NASA
Application Due Date: Tuesday, March 01 2022
Web Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f03960f2-20cd-4828-9ae5-415eefc7072e&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=425069&lang=en_US&source=CC4

Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship at the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) while also being an employee of the Universities Space Research Association’s (USRA) Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas. Fellows will enjoy access to all of JSC’s laboratories and analytical instruments on the same basis as scientific staff.

The Fellowship in the field of astromaterials research involves the study of the origins, isotopic and elemental compositions, structure, and evolution of presolar grains identified in meteorites, interplanetary dust, asteroids, and comets. The Fellow will perform NanoSIMS analyses of presolar grains and will be encouraged to coordinate these analyses with focused ion beam (FIB)-assisted transmission electron microscope (TEM) mineral characterization. The isotopic properties of presolar grains provides remarkable insight into astrophysical processes while their mineralogies allow us to understand dust condensation in stellar atmospheres and subsequent alteration in various environments. Understanding their origins and histories is intimately linked with understanding the origin of the Solar System.

Post-doctoral position in Isotope Geochemistry

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
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.

NanoSIMS Research Scientist

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate
City: Houston
State/Province: TX
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Institution: NASA Johnson Space Center / Jacobs - University of Texas - El Paso
Application Due Date: Tuesday, May 18 2021
Web Link: https://jacobs.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=ADV0000VQ&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America/Chicago

Jacobs invites applicants for a Research Scientist to support the Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate (ARES) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the field of cosmochemistry and planetary science, and provide support for NASA human and robotic missions. Research in cosmochemistry and presolar grains will be conducted by analyzing astromaterial samples using the NanoSIMS. New techniques will be developed in isotopic analyses of astromaterials and analogs that advance NanoSIMS capabilities. 

Required skills include:

  • Must have at least 5 years of experience operating a NanoSIMS instrument as an independent user.
  • Experience working with geologic samples, in particular primitive chondrites, interplanetary dust particles, and their components, and conducting independent research on these samples.
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment preparing astromaterial samples, conducting analyses, summarizing results, preparing reports for internal and external use, writing abstracts for submission to national and international meetings, writing proposals for funding, and contributing to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Must have knowledge of the theory and practice of isotopic analyses of geologic samples and data reduction.

A Ph.D. and at least two additional years of relevant laboratory experience is highly preferred. The most competitive candidates will demonstrate previous experience with laboratory management and leadership. The following qualifications are desired:

  • Direct NanoSIMS experience performing both spot and image mode analyses of numerous isotopic systems.
  • Additional experience with electron beam instruments (SEM, EPMA, TEM, and/or FIB) is a plus.
  • Experience with analytical technique development and innovation.
  • Experience with analysis of presolar grains and other fine-grained materials by SIMS.
  • Experience with astromaterials, and generally irreplaceable samples is highly preferred.
  • Experience developing and using matrix matched standards to improve the precision of isotope measurements.
  • The most competitive candidates will also demonstrate how their research goals will contribute broadly across and complement research topics within the Science Department and ARES Research.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Weathering

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences Departments
City: St. Louis
State/Province: MO - Missouri
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jeffrey Gillis-Davis
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2020
Web Link: https://jobs.wustl.edu/

Come join the NASA SSERVI ICE Five-O team at WashU. We are looking to
hire a postdoc to research space-weathering effects in extreme
conditions on the Moon and volatile-silicate interactions within the
regolith. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists in
the Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences Departments at WashU to
study Space weathering and volatile-regolith interactions through
experiments and electron microscopy. They will also collaborate with the
ICE Five-O team to investigate topics related to volatile evolution and
regolith development.

https://jobs.wustl.edu/

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Physics – 49129

Any questions please contact Jeffrey Gillis-Davis, ICE Five-O PI, at
j.gillis-davis at wustl.edu.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Collaborating with the Principal Investigator Jeffrey Gillis-Davis (Physics) and co-investigators Bradley L. Jolliff and Alian Wang (EPS) to develop and conduct research projects on space weathering. Tasks include experiment design, conduct space weathering simulation experiments, data collection, data analysis, communication of experiment results, and data archiving.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Develop hypotheses to be tested related to space weathering and devise ways of testing these hypotheses.  Acquire, assemble, and perform analyses of data and interpret results. Analysis of experiment products using a range of analysis methods including SEM, TEM, EPMA, laser Raman spectroscopy, and UV-VIS-IR spectroscopy. Manage research projects in collaboration with other SSERVI institutions and investigators.
  2. Work with principal investigator and co-investigators to assist with building experimental set ups, design of research protocols, conducting research, and developing procedures for the collection, verification, and management of data.
  3. Write conference abstracts and present science results.  Prepare and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts on research results/finding.  Submit regular progress reports based on research work to PI and present progress Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) peers.
  4. Solve practical problems relating to difficulties with equipment or instruments. Suggest technical or procedural improvements in testing methods. Comply with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
  5. Archive data acquired/assembled during research task.
  6. Conduct literature searches and background reading related to research project.
  7. Assist with grant preparation and reporting. May submit grant proposals as Science-PI with the approval of the PI.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

PhD. in related planetary science field (physics, chemistry, geology).

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD. in related planetary science field with at least one year of research experience and lab operations.
  • Analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret multiple forms of data (e.g., spectral, chemical, electron probe).
  • Computer literacy including the ability to use a variety of software packages to analyze data and programming.
  • Ability to communicate in oral and written form in a clear, concise manner.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of standard laboratory policies, procedures, and equipment.
  • Must be able to work well independently or as a team member and to communicate data.

 

Salary Range

Base pay commensurate with experience.

 

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

Applicant Special Instructions

  • May work in laboratory environment with potential exposure to chemical and laser hazards. 
  • Must be physically able to wear protective equipment as needed.
  • Ability to travel to on and off campus locations.

EOE Statement

Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Research Fellowships in Space Sciences & Exploration

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Noordwijk
Category: , , , ,
Country: The Netherlands
Contact Person: Ana M. Heras
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Thursday, October 29 2020
Web Link: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-faculty/research-fellowship

ESA‘s postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers young scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. Research Fellowships in Space Science & Exploration specifically offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA‘s endeavour to explore our Solar System and the Universe in the fields of human and robotic exploration, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics.

Research Fellows also help foster a lively scientific environment in the directorates, inspiring ESA scientists to get involved in new scientific activities. The Research Fellowship programme nurtures and strengthens the links between ESA and the scientific communities in the Member States.

Approximately 9 ESA Fellowships in Space Science and 9 in Human and Robotic Exploration will be offered this year, to join the pool of about 30 Research Fellows in the two Directorates (Science and Human and Robotic Exploration).

This year, the Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration is interested in Research Fellows working on various specific projects with brief descriptions under: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-faculty/hre. ​​​​These Fellowships are offered at ESTEC, EAC, or ECSAT.

Within the Directorate of Science, we are welcoming all proposals for innovative research associated with one or more of our missions. These Fellowships can be taken at any of the three sites: ESAC, ESTEC, or STScI. To learn more about the research conducted by the Directorate’s scientists, please visit the Science Faculty site.

Duration: Appointments are initially for two years, with a third year extension frequently granted.

Eligibility: Only citizens of ESA Member States or countries associated with ESA are eligible.

ESA Project Scientist for the Mars Sample Return mission

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Directorate for Science / Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration
City: Noordwijk
Category: , , , ,
Country: The Netherlands
Contact Person: Markus Kissler-Patig, Head of Science and Operations
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Tuesday, July 07 2020
Web Link: https://tinyurl.com/yacthy6l

ESA Project Scientist position for Mars Sample Return mission

The European Space Agency’s Directorates for Science and for Human and Robotic Exploration are seeking a Programme Scientist for the Mars Sample Return mission. Your primary role will be to lead the scientific preparations in ESA for the Mars Sample Return Campaign. This campaign is under study by ESA and NASA and aims to return about 500g of Mars samples to Earth.

The position is based at ESTEC in the Netherlands.
Deadline for applications is July 7, 2020.