Category: Mars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Planetary Atmospheres)

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Current state: Approved
Department: Lunar & Planetary Laboratory/Department of Planetary Sciences
City: Tucson
State/Province: AZ
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Sukrit Ranjan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Arizona
Application Due Date: Monday, December 15 2025
Web Link: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/23799

The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the field of modeling of planetary atmospheres. Research areas include hydrodynamic atmospheric escape from rocky exoplanets, nitrogen and sulfur cycling on early Mars and Earth, chemical kinetics of early Earth, Venus, Mars, and analogous exoplanets, and interior-atmosphere interactions on rocky worlds. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Ranjan in advance of their application to cooperatively identify specific research topics of mutual interest. Applicants should have previous experience modeling the atmospheres of planets or exoplanets, although a variety of backgrounds may be relevant. Candidates with expertise in 1D hydrodynamic escape of rocky planet atmospheres and/or in modeling early terrestrial or Martian geochemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The position is for a period of up to three years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance reviews.

First review of applications will begin 12/15/2025. UA LPL is a stimulating, world-class department with strong connections to missions and the next generation of telescopes, as well as to our colleagues in Astronomy and Geoscience. Tucson is a great place to live, with excellent hiking, great food, and a low cost of living. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Metaversity is hiring Ph.Ds to teach in the Metaverse

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Department: Space Sciences
City: Remote
State/Province: Remote
Category: , , , ,
Country: Remote
Contact Person: Dr Trudi Hoogenboom
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Metaversity
Application Due Date: Thursday, June 01 2023

Join the innovative school in the Metaverse where 13-18-year-old students learn disruptive technologies (Generative AI, 3D printing, Data Science, and all things Space related).

Our mission is to bring a world-class, transformative, future-focused enrichment education to students globally. We take pride in our collaborative, team-oriented environment with colleagues who deeply care about our mission. Metaversity is a fully remote company, and like our students, our team is global. We are hiring part-time faculty members from a vast range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are paid positions. 

The role: Teaching 5 x 1-hour classes per week. Classes are at the same time each day but each teacher has the flexibility to choose the time, the amount of classes you are able to teach each day, and for how many weeks. We operate in all time-zones. We have 2 pay scales depending on whether you create content or use ours. Classes start June 19 in our Metaverse classrooms.

Required: A Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Astrobiology, Data Science, or Satellite Engineering (or related fields).

Bonus points for any of the following (but NOT required)

1. Fluently speaking a foreign language

2. Prior experience using a VR headset e.g. Oculus (including games)

3. Prior experience teaching 13-18-year-olds (scientific outreach included)

 

Metaversity has been founded by Dr. Jim Green, Dr. Trudi Hoogenboom, and Wasim Ahmed

 

If interested, please fill out an application form at:

https://forms.gle/guUnW71k6dkJUzvp6

 

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Planetary Science

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City: Beijing
State/Province: Beijing
Category: , , , ,
Country: China
Contact Person: Steve Yang Liu
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: National Space Science Center
Application Due Date: Wednesday, May 31 2023

The planetary science group of the National Space Science Center (NSSC), Chinese Academy of Sciences seeks 2-3 postdoc applicants for positions in the filed of planetary science.

China will carry out more deep space exploration missions in the next 10 to 15 years. The fourth stage of its lunar exploration program has been approved, including Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7, and Chang’e-8. The next step of the planetary exploration program is also planed. China will implement Tianwen-2 for asteroid sample return, Tianwen-3 for Mars sample return, and Tianwen-4 for Jupiter system exploration.

The planetary science group in National Space Science Center (NSSC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is deeply involved in the lunar and planetary missions of China. We’re the scientific team members of Chang’e-4 and -5 mission as well as Tianwen-1 Mars mission. Our research fields include planetary geology, remote sensing, spectroscopy, and sample analysis. We focus on topics including the evolution of the Moon and Earth-Moon system, the geological evolution and habitability of terrestrial planets including Mars, and the composition and evolution of small bodies. We now have 12 members, including 3 professors, 3 associate professors, and 6 postdocs.

Requirement: Ph.D. in planetary science and related field, fluent in English speaking.

Length: 2 years program with a possible 1 year extension.

Salary: 250,000 RMB per year,  plus subsidy for apartment renting and one round trip flight ticket.

If you are interested, please send your CV to Prof. Steve Yang Liu. Email: [email protected]

Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Science Fellowship

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Department: Center for Earth and Planetary Studies
City: Washington
State/Province: DC
Category: , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Ross Irwin & Emily Martin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: National Air and Space Museum
Application Due Date: Friday, March 31 2023
Web Link: https://fellowships.si.edu/opportunity/postdoctoral-earth-and-planetary-sciences-fellowship

POSTDOCTORAL EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES FELLOWSHIPS AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 

The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) in Washington, DC welcomes applications for two postdoctoral fellowships. 

Scientists in CEPS primarily focus on planetary geologic and geophysical processes that have shaped the surfaces of rocky and icy bodies in the solar system including the Earth and Moon. CEPS scientists are actively involved in field analog research and many of NASA’s and ESA’s current and planned planetary robotic missions. 

The fellowships have a term of one to two years and a stipend of $74,950 plus up to $5,000 health allowance per year. Required application materials include a CV/resume, project/research proposal, and bibliography.  

Competitive proposals should demonstrate knowledge and expertise in areas such as quantitative remote sensing analysis, tectonics and tectonophysics, volcanic processes, and quantitative terrestrial and planetary geomorphology. Proposals focused on Mars or icy moons of the outer solar system are particularly encouraged. The application deadline is Friday, March 31, 2023. 

More details and the application process are posted here: 

https://fellowships.si.edu/opportunity/postdoctoral-earth-and-planetary-sciences-fellowship 

For questions, email Ross Irwin ([email protected]) or Emily Martin ([email protected]). 

 

Planetary Scientist

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Department: 695/ Planetary Magnetospheres
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: Maryland
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: O J Tucker
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Thursday, March 16 2023
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/

The Science & Exploration Directorate, Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is seeking a Planetary Scientist, in areas including particles & fields, exospheres, dust, radiation, and/or plasma surface interactions of Solar System bodies. The successful candidate will lead lab, modeling, and/or instrument development projects to collaborate in existing areas of expertise and seek opportunities to develop flight instruments & missions.

 

This job is open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Our job announcement will be open  03/10/2023 to 03/16/2023.

Postdoctoral researcher, Mars rover science/operations and Mars data analysis

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Department: Department of the Geophysical Sciences
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Edwin Kite
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Chicago
Application Due Date: Saturday, April 08 2023
Web Link: http://sseh.uchicago.edu

The University of Chicago’s Department of Geophysical Sciences seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher to support Mars data analysis projects (a Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist grant on the timing and flow of surface and subsurface water at Gale crater, and a Mars Data Analysis Program grant on global and stratigraphic variations in sediment layer thicknesses on Mars). The successful candidate will work with Associate Professor Edwin Kite to take part in Mars Science Laboratory science and operations, and analyze existing HiRISE Digital Terrain Models. The balance between rover and orbiter work will be chosen according to the preferences of the successful candidate.

Candidates should have a background in planetary science. Experience with rover operations, and/or Mars orbiter data analysis, is preferred but not required. This is primarily a data analysis position and modeling skills are not required though would be a welcome bonus. A start date in mid-to-late-2023 is preferred. This postdoctoral position will be for one year and funding is secured for renewal for a second year, contingent on satisfactory progress. The position comes with a competitive salary and generous benefits.

Review of applications will begin on April 8, 2023. Please send a CV, a brief description of research interests, and a list of publications as a single PDF file to [email protected]. Applicants should send the names and email addresses of 2-3 referees to this email address. Please direct informal inquiries about this post to Edwin Kite ([email protected]).

The University of Chicago hosts a vibrant planets and exoplanets research program, with particular emphasis on Mars, planetary sample analysis, and habitability: https://geosci.uchicago.edu/research/planetary-sciences-and-cosmochemistry/

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/EO/D/V Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity. UChicago seeks a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request.

Postdoc in Mars Geology at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

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Department: Center for Earth and Planetary Studies
City: Washington
State/Province: DC
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Sharon Purdy
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Smithsonian Institution
Application Due Date: Friday, February 17 2023
Web Link: https://www.si.edu/content/ohr/SITrustVacs/SITRUST-23-NASM0201.pdf

JOB OPENING: POSTDOC IN MARS GEOLOGY/GEOMOPRHOLOGY AT THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 

The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) in Washington, DC welcomes applications for a postdoctoral position.

Research areas for the position include analysis of:

  1. Geologic mapping of Mars, including relevant data analysis, and drafting text and figures for peer-reviewed publications.
  2. Geomorphic and topographic analyses of fluvial landforms using Mars orbiter and rover data, including relatively young fluvial landforms on impact craters.
  3. Participation on the Science Operations Team for Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover; and field studies of Mars analog landforms.

Applicants must demonstrate experience in analysis of Earth or planetary datasets. A background in quantitative terrestrial or planetary geology and experience with geographic information systems analysis of imaging and topography are desired.

This is a full-time, 2-year position in Washington, DC with benefits. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

More details and application process here: https://www.si.edu/content/ohr/SITrustVacs/SITRUST-23-NASM0201.pdf

Application deadline is 5pm (Eastern time) on February 17, 2023.

For questions, email Sharon Wilson Purdy ([email protected]) or Ross Irwin ([email protected]).

Research Space Scientist, Research AST Planetary Studies

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Department: Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch
City: Huntsville
State/Province: AL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: David McKenzie
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Saturday, April 01 2023
Web Link: https://usajobs.gov

Upcoming Planetary Science Research Position at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

The Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama will soon be seeking a scientist to conduct research and to develop applications to solve challenging Planetary Science problems.  The selected candidate will add substantive capability synergistic with the current staff and the goals of NASA’s Artemis program and MSFC’s strategy to integrate human space flight and science robotic capabilities in the Artemis era.  The position is expected to be announced in January 2023 under the category of Research Space Scientist, at the GS-13 or GS-14 grade level, depending on qualifications. 

An outstanding candidate will be offered federal employment, joining more than 30 other federal employees, academic staff, and contractors supporting Planetary Science efforts within the Branch, a subset of the Science Research and Projects Division, and the Science and Technology Office at Marshall Space Flight Center.

The incumbent Planetary Scientist will have expertise in remote and/or in-situ sensing of planets, moons, and asteroids, and in the application and development of advanced tools, techniques, and/or data analysis/mining/machine learning techniques.  The candidate will be expected to lead the development of research proposals for new activities, lead a research team, execute funded projects, participate in conferences, have a demonstrated publication record, and author research papers in peer-reviewed literature.

The formal announcement of the opportunity and requirements will be posted at USAJobs (www.usajobs.gov) and can be found by searching with keyword NASA and location Huntsville, Alabama.  Applications are only accepted through the USAJobs portal.  Note that when answering the opportunity, it is extremely important to review and address the Specialized Experience under Qualifications in detail.  Candidates are encouraged to create a USAJobs profile well in advance to populate a resume and to add documents.  USAJobs-alert subscriptions are possible with alerts received via email.  Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. David McKenzie, [email protected], 256-961-7896.

Research Scientist, Mars Climate Sounder Team

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Department: Planetary Science Section
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Cheryl Cooperstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Application Due Date: Sunday, October 09 2022
Web Link: https://www.jpl.jobs/job/R2902/Research-Scientist-Mars-Climate-Sounder-Team

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, invites applications for a newly created research position in the Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres Group. The research will involve investigations with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) for science planning and analysis tasks involving the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) instrument. A scientist is particularly needed to plan special observations on a campaign basis, such as coordinated observations with other spacecraft experiments. The successful candidate will be part of the Mars Climate Sounder team. Scientific analysis will be focused on cloud observations by the MCS, using radiative-transfer programs to determine the composition of clouds in the atmosphere of Mars. The research will also entail management and maintenance of the citizen-science project ‘Cloudspotting on Mars’ on the ‘Zooniverse’ platform that enables the identification of clouds in MCS data by citizen scientists. This work involves both data management/analysis and interactions with citizen scientists via online communications and webinars. In addition, the successful candidate will support the Mars Sample Return Program office on risk reduction efforts such as optical search scenario modeling.

Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct science planning activities and operational support for science observations by the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) onboard Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), in particular, special observations on campaign basis such as coordinated observations with other Mars-based assets, as well as quality control and low-level analyses of science observations and data.
  • Conduct scientific analyses of cloud observations at Mars by MCS, investigate the altitude distribution and geographic location of cloud occurrence in relation to other atmospheric parameters, perform radiative transfer calculations in order to determine the composition of Mars clouds, and publish results in relevant scientific journals.
  • Manage and maintain an ongoing citizen science project that enables the identification of clouds in MCS data by citizen scientists, prepare and upload new data to the citizen-science platform, perform analyses on the resulting identifications, and interact with citizen scientists through online communications and webinars.
  • Support the Mars Sample Return Program office on risk reduction efforts, including optical experiments with the MRO orbital navigation camera, Earth Return Orbiter narrow angle camera sensitivity assessments, and optical search scenario modeling.

 

The following qualifications are required:

  • PhD in planetary or atmospheric science or related scientific discipline.
  • Knowledge of Mars’ lower and upper atmosphere as well as its radiometric environment
  • Experience and capability in conducting Mars atmospheric research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
  • Demonstrated experience with citizen-science methods
  • Demonstrated experience with data science analysis methods
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

The following qualifications are preferred:

  • 3+ years of post-doctoral experience is strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with the Mars Climate Sounder investigation
  • Familiarity with other current Mars missions, in particular with respect to atmospheric investigations conducted by them
  • Experience in obtaining grant funding as demonstrated by success in competitive proposal calls

To view the full description of this unique opportunity and apply, please visit: https://www.jpl.jobs/job/R2902/Research-Scientist-Mars-Climate-Sounder-Team.

Applications received by October 9, 2022 will receive full consideration.