ASU Exploration Fellowship in Earth and Space Science

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Department: School of Earth and Space Exploration
City: Tempe
State/Province: AZ
Country: USA
Contact Person: Exploration Fellowship Committee
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Arizona State University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, November 15 2017

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will serve as an Exploration Fellow. The mission of the postdoctoral fellowship is to foster SESE’s interdisciplinary research program by attracting and supporting outstanding early-career scientists and engineers to pursue independent research in collaboration with faculty. Research areas within the School encompass Earth and planetary science, astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, instrumentation and systems engineering, and science education. Anticipated start date for the position is July 2018. Incoming Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $63,000 with health benefits, plus $9,000 per year in discretionary research funds. A relocation allowance will be provided. 

Interested candidates should contact two current faculty members in SESE to discuss potential collaborative research topics and determine whether they would agree to serve as an Exploration Fellow mentor. When a topic of mutual interest between the applicant and potential faculty mentors is identified, the applicant should submit a research proposal that includes: (1) a cover letter identifying the proposed research topic and the names of the two faculty mentors, (2) a current CV, (3) a research proposal not longer than five pages including figures and references, and (4) one paper that exemplifies the applicant’s research.  Preference will be given to proposals that include interdisciplinary research spanning multiple research areas within SESE.  Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant field by the time of appointment, but received no earlier than 2013. Applicants who received their Ph.D. prior to 2013 will not be considered.

Desired Qualifications: (1) research proposal that demonstrates relevance, interdisciplinary merit, and potential impact of the proposed research on important questions in the field and to the mission of SESE, (2) a record of prior achievement and experience that shows the applicant’s potential to accomplish the proposed research objectives, and (3) evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Application materials and any questions should be submitted by email to [email protected], addressed to the Exploration Fellowship Committee. Applications will only be considered complete when all materials described above are received. Review of complete applications will begin on November 15, 2017.  If not filled, application review will continue until the search is closed. A background check is required for employment.

More information can be found at: http://sese.asu.edu/exploration-fellowship

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html

https://www.asu.edu/titleIX

Solar System Exploration Postdoctoral Fellow

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Department: Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
City: Baltimore
State/Province: MD
Country: USA
Contact Person: Sarah Horst
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, August 15 2017

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (http://eps.jhu.edu) at Johns Hopkins University working with the new SSERVI team Project ESPRESSO (https://www.espresso.institute). The Postdoctoral Fellow will be working under the supervision of Prof. Sarah Hörst (www.sarahhorst.com) but will be expected to participate as a full member of the Project ESPRESSO Team, which will include collaborations with Prof. Kevin Lewis in EPS and ESPRESSO Team Members at other institutions. The Postdoctoral Fellow’s primary responsibilities will include laboratory measurements of optical constants and a candidate with experience in these types of measurements and data analysis is preferred. Secondary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Fellow will include participation in fieldwork and data analysis of geological materials using LIBS and Raman spectroscopy under the supervision of Prof. Kevin Lewis.  Additional opportunities may also be available to participate in microgravity flight campaigns and other Project ESPRESSO efforts. Dr. Hörst is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research group and candidates with a demonstrated history of efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.

The position is for one year, but renewable for up to a total of 5 years contingent on satisfactory performance. The position includes salary, benefits, and funding for travel to professional conferences and annual SSERVI team meetings. Johns Hopkins University has recently adopted a new policy on parental leave for Postdoctoral Fellows (https://www.jhu.edu/assets/uploads/2017/06/newchildaccommgradandpostdoc.pdf). The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Prof. Hörst’s laboratory are housed in Olin Hall. All entrances and floors of Olin Hall are handicapped accessible. Olin Hall has 2 all gender bathrooms.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant must have a Ph.D. in a related field. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants should submit their CV (including publications), a 1-2 page statement of research interests, and contact information including email addresses for 3 references. Please contact Prof. Hörst with any questions about the position ([email protected]). The deadline for applications is August 15, 2017.

Applications should be submitted using Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/43201

3-year postdoctoral position

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City: Orsay
Country: France
Contact Person: François Poulet
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale, Université Paris-Sud
Application Due Date: Friday, September 15 2017
Web Link: http://www.ptal.eu

The Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS, University Paris Sud) is seeking for a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship on the Horizon-2020 funded program PTAL (Planetary Terrestrial Analogues Library). The PTAL project aims to build and exploit a multi-instrument spectral data base and joint spectral interpretation tools using various techniques (XRD, SEM, LIBS, IR and Raman spectroscopy), in order to support current and future investigations of planetary space missions.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to characterize well-defined rock and mineral samples with flight spare models and to compare the derived compositions of samples with remote and in situ data of instruments onboard planetary space missions (Martian missions, Hayabusa2, BepiColombo). The activities of the successful applicant shall consist in 1) acquiring near-infrared spectra of XRD- and SEM-characterized rock samples (resulting from field trips and alteration experiments) using flight spare models of MicrOmega (Hayabusa-2 and ExoMars20) and NIR lab spectrometers at IAS facilities, 2) acquiring LIBS spectra of the characterized samples using the qualification model of ChemCam/Mars Science Laboratory, 3) analyzing the NIR and LIBS spectral data and document these analyses, 4) performing coordinated analyses of the Martian surface from orbital and landed platforms with the new spectral data.

The PTAL consortium (https://ptal.eu/) consists of three partners, located in Norway (Oslo Univ.), France (Paris Sud Univ.) and Spain (Valladolid Univ.). The fellowship will have also the opportunity to be in contact with other research labs (Japan, Germany, France, USA). LIBS measurements will be performed at the IRAP/Toulouse laboratory who is in charge of the LIBS instrument onboard MSL.
Applicants are requested to submit a brief cover letter and curriculum vitae.
For further information and application submission please contact [email protected]

 

Assistant Professor of Planetary Materials

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Department: Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr. Chris Andronicos
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 01 2016

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), within the College of Science, Purdue University, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Planetary Materials. The Planetary Science Group within EAPS has an international reputation, extensive involvement in spacecraft missions, and newly developed undergraduate and graduate programs. We seek to grow and are looking for someone who conducts laboratory analysis of planetary materials or their terrestrial analogues. Candidates must have completed their PhD in an appropriate field. The appointee is expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded, internationally recognized research program and to teach and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Applications should be submitted electronically at https://hiring.science.purdue.edu. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research, a teaching statement, and contact information of three individuals who can provide letters of reference. Questions related to this position should be addressed to Dr. Chris Andronicos ([email protected]), Chair of the Search Committee. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2016, and continue until the position is filled. 

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Postdoc – Mars Science Laboratory rover mission

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Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Country: USA
Contact Person: Briony Horgan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Friday, May 06 2016

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Mars geochemistry and mineralogy. The successful candidate will join Prof. Briony Horgan and the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover science team starting in August/September 2016.

Duties will include laboratory analyses of terrestrial analog samples, processing and analysis of MSL data, participation in MSL operations and team activities, and processing and analysis of Mars orbital datasets.

Eligibility: All applicants must have a PhD in the field of geology or planetary science. U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident status is also required per federal regulations.  Expertise in geochemistry, mineralogy, or spectroscopy is preferred.

A background check is required for employment in this position. Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

For further information, please send your CV to Briony Horgan, [email protected], by May 6, 2016.

Experimental Planetary Sciences (EPS)

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Department: Planetary Sciences Section
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr. Murthy Gudipati
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2015

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Postdoctoral Scholars Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in JPL’s Ice Spectroscopy Laboratory (ISL).

The research will involve laboratory simulations to understand surface processes on icy bodies such as Europa and on Titan. Dr. Murthy Gudipati (Principal Scientist), in JPL’s Planetary Sciences Section, will serve as JPL postdoctoral advisor to the selected candidate. Candidates should have a recent PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Planetary Science, or related scientific area with a strong background in advanced laboratory physical chemistry/chemical physics . Experience in planetary sciences, astrochemistry, and astrobiology is highly desirable. Candidates who have received their PhD within the past five years since the date of their application are eligible. This positions is for one-year and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years based on performance and availability of funds. Arrange for 2-3 letters of reference letters to be sent to:

 

Dr. Murthy Gudipati (+1-818-354-2637)

E-Mail: murthy.gudipati(at)jpl.nasa.gov

Caltech and JPL are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

Post-doctoral Research Associate

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City: Flagstaff
State/Province: AZ
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr Henry Roe
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Lowell Observatory
Application Due Date: Monday, December 15 2014

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Lowell Observatory to work on an investigation of solids and liquids in the outer solar system, in particular relating to the surfaces of Titan and Kuiper Belt Objects. The project links theory, laboratory experiments, and observations. This postdoc position will focus on laboratory experiments in the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Astrophysical Ice Lab, but will include opportunities to work on observations and theory as well.  This position will be co-supervised by Drs. Henry Roe and Will Grundy. 

The initial appointment is for three years with an additional two year extension expected based on performance. The start date is negotiable, but preferably in early 2015. This position is funded by a 5-year grant from the John and Maureen Hendricks Charitable Foundation and comes with a competitive salary and full benefits, including relocation. Additional funding is available for research resources, such as lab and computer equipment, attending conferences, or other research-related travel.

For more information see:
http://www.lowell.edu/about_jobs.php
http://www.lowell.edu/documents/jobs/Post%20Doctoral%20Research%20Associ…

Applications received by 15-Dec-2014 will be given full consideration. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled.

PhD position at University of Bern: Laboratory Analogue for the Surface of Icy Moons

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Current state: Approved
City: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Peter Wurz
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 31 2014

The vast majority of celestial objects in our outer solar system are bodies with icy surfaces (ice
moons, Trans-Neptunian Objects, and comets). The surface of these objects directly interacts
with the space environment and thus is open to in-situ or remote sensing investigation. The
upcoming JUICE mission of ESA to the Galilean moons Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto will
allow us to sample directly the particles ejected from the surface. However, many surface
properties (e.g., sputter yield and chemical composition of ejecta) are still poorly known. This
limits the quality of surface and exosphere models and thus poses a problem for the
interpretation of existing observations and for the instrument design for JUICE.

The position is for an experimentalist to simulate processes that are relevant for the icy
surfaces of satellites: radiation with ions, electrons, and UV photons of pure water ice and
mixtures. The goal of this PhD position is to provide the ejection efficiency and the chemical
and energetic distribution of ejecta for the case of ions, UV photons, and electrons impacting an
ice surface. Characterising the sample with an IR-spectrometer and the evolution of
photometric properties as a response to irradiation will complement the analysis. The PhD
student will be part of the PEP (Particle Environment Package) team of the JUICE mission and
will collaborate with the engineering team to help optimise the design of the flight hardware.

We are looking for a talented and motivated person who enjoys experimental physics.
Experience with electronics, vacuum instrumentation, ice samples, and mass spectrometry
would be of advantage but is not required. The PhD position is funded for 4 years. Salary is
according to regulations by the Swiss National Science Foundation. For further information of
our department visit our web page athttp://space.unibe.ch/.

Interested applicants should send their curriculum (including professional experience), a one
page motivation letter, the contact details of up to three reference persons, and the grades
obtained at the Master level to Prof. Peter Wurz ([email protected]). Applications
should be sent until 31 August 2014. The starting date of the position is October 2014, but is
negotiable.

 

Research Scientist / Laboratory Manager

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Current state: Approved
City: Huntsville
State/Province: Alabama
Country: USA
Contact Person: Barbara A. Cohen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Alabama Huntsville / NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Tuesday, September 30 2014

The University of Alabama Huntsville and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center invite applications for a laboratory manager responsible for routine operation and maintenance of the MSFC Noble Gas Research Laboratory (MNGRL). A PhD or MS in the physical sciences, experience in mass spectrometry (noble gas and/or ICPMS, TIMS, etc.), and ultra-high vacuum laboratory operations are required. Salary is $67,151-$85,000 per year depending on qualifications; initial appointment is for 1 year with renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Applications will be reviewed beginning Sept 2 until position is filled. Apply online at http://uah.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=50487.

Masters Students in exoplanet materials

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Department: Physics, Astronomy, & Materials Science
City: Springfield
State/Province: Missouri
Country: USA
Contact Person: David Cornelison
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Missouri State University
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2015

The Department of Physics, Astronomy, & Materials Science at Missouri State University invites applications for Masters level graduate students to  assist in observational and laboratory studies of exoplanet materials.  The graduate program is in the field of Materials Science, or Natural and Applied Science with a thesis in the area
of exoplanet materials.  Our research group has paid research assistantships available. In our laboratory, we are recreating constituents of hot, rocky, exoplanets and measuring the optical properties. Graduate students could begin during Fall Semester 2014 or Spring Semester 2015. Information concerning course work is available at
http://physics.missouristate.edu/MaterialsScience/ or
http://cnas.missouristate.edu/mnas/default.asp.
        Missouri State University is not a Ph.D. granting institution. Information about our Graduate College and programs is available at http://graduate.missouristate.edu/
Funding for these positions is through December 2015