Category: Mars

Four researcher positions related to Mars atmospheric science at NSSTC, UAE University

Posted on
Department: National Space Science and Technology Center
City: Al Ain
State/Province: Abu Dhabi
Category: , , , ,
Country: United Arab Emirates
Contact Person: Roland Young
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: United Arab Emirates University
Application Due Date: Sunday, September 06 2020
Web Link: https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae

The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates invites applications for four researcher positions (two Senior Researchers and two Postdoctoral Fellows) related to Mars atmospheric science, to join NSSTC’s Planetary Science group, part of its Earth and Planetary Science Unit.

For full details of each position, to see the required application materials for each one, and to apply, please search for “Mars” at https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae => Postings => Job Title. Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by 6 September 2020, but the positions will remain open until filled.

Senior Researcher in Emirates Mars Mission related science: We seek an experienced scientist to propose and lead their own research program related to the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), using EMM’s publicly-available dataset, and complementary to existing expertise within the group. The group’s existing Mars expertise is in planetary climate modelling, data assimilation, the dust cycle, and other physical processes relevant to Mars’ lower atmosphere and climate, so the Senior Researcher’s expertise could be in the upper atmosphere, surface or subsurface, polar science, ionosphere, atmospheric chemistry, solar-planetary interactions, or some other topic relevant to EMM.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars atmospheric science: This will focus on Mars dust storms, starting with imagery and dust climatological data from past and existing Mars missions, to gauge the feasibility of extracting information about Mars dust storms from such observations. Once EMM begins its science phase, the researcher will use EMM observations as quantitative constraints on key parameters related to the formation of dust storms, such as dust optical depth, atmospheric and surface temperatures, surface winds, etc. to generate a comprehensive database of Mars dust storms.

Senior Researcher in Earth and Mars atmospheric retrievals: The main goal of this position is to build expertise within the UAE in the area of planetary atmospheric retrievals. We seek an experienced scientist with expertise in UV/visible/IR and thermal IR/microwave atmospheric retrievals to lead a program building local Emirati expertise in atmospheric retrievals, which will involve software development, retrieval product generation, student training, and scientific analysis. The main scientific goals are (1) to convert EMM calibrated spectra into atmospheric quantities, using EMM’s publicly available dataset, building expertise among Emirati students and researchers in the methods and mathematical principles of atmospheric retrievals, radiative transfer modelling, and scientific programming, by involving them at all stages of the process, and (2) to contribute to NSSTC research and development projects in Earth observation where atmospheric retrievals are required.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Earth and Mars atmospheric retrievals: We seek a candidate with expertise in UV/visible/IR and/or thermal IR/microwave atmospheric retrievals to work alongside the Senior Researcher above, working towards the same goals.

In all cases there may also be the possibility to be involved in teaching UAEU’s new MSc in Space Science course, which is anticipated to run for the first time in Spring 2021.

NSSTC is a research and development institute of some 50 staff located on the UAE University campus in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, about 90 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. UAEU is the largest and highest-ranked public university in the UAE.

The Center was established jointly by UAEU, the UAE Space Agency, and the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ICT-Fund), motivated by UAEU’s desire to strengthen its role in and contribute to the needs of the nation in space science and technology, and to become a space science and technology hub for the region. NSSTC focuses on research and development, higher education, and community outreach. The Center’s priorities are three-fold: excellence in space science, leadership in space technology, and providing innovative solutions to a broad spectrum of societal challenges.

Currently nearing completion at UAEU is NSSTC’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing facility for satellites up to 250 kg, with the capability of building multiple satellites at a time. It will also support UAEU student CubeSat projects. The facility will include a cleanroom, thermal vacuum chamber, vibration system, and anechoic chamber. Once complete, this facility will also include a ground station and mission control. The Center’s other facilities include Global Navigation Satellite System and In Space Resources Utilisation laboratories, and NSSTC’s research staff also have access to UAEU’s supercomputing cluster.

NSSTC has expertise in spacecraft communications and precision positioning, on-board real-time systems, space situational awareness, global navigation systems, space resource utilization, geospatial information systems, Earth observation, and planetary science.

ESA Project Scientist for the Mars Sample Return mission

Posted on
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.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Posted on
City: Houston
State/Province: TX
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: German Martinez
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), run by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA)
Application Due Date: Saturday, August 01 2020
Web Link: https://usra-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=1041&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=992390&company_id=16640&version=1&byBusinessUnit=&bycountry=0&bystate=0&byRegion=&bylocation=NULL&keywords=&byCat=&proximityCountry=&postalCode=&radiusDistance=&isKilometers=&tosearch=yes&city

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), run by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Radiative Transfer Modeling in Planetary Atmospheres.

The successful candidate will join Dr. Germán Martínez on the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) science team of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, and will participate in analysis and interpretation of measurements made by the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), one of the six environmental sensors comprising MEDA. The successful candidate may also participate in operations planning for the MEDA instrument.

Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Physics, or a related field. The successful candidate will develop a numerical model capable of spectrally simulating longwave radiation fluxes at the Martian surface to maximize the scientific return of TIRS. Previous experience with Mars-related research is preferred, but not required. The position is for two years with a possible one-year extension.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on August 1, 2020; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions can be addressed to Dr. Germán Martínez ([email protected]).

Emirates Mars Mission postdoctoral research fellowships

Posted on
City: Boulder / Berkeley / Flagstaff / Phoenix / Greenbelt / Blacksburg / Paris + Abu Dhabi
Category: ,
Country: USA / France + UAE
Contact Person: Dave Brain
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: One of 8 EMM science team institutions + Khalifa University
Application Due Date: Saturday, May 23 2020
Web Link: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=24229

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) science team and Khalifa University (KU) are inviting applications for up to 5 postdoctoral research fellowship positions. We seek candidates interested in spacecraft observations and models of the Martian atmosphere (including the upper atmosphere) relevant to EMM observations. EMM will launch in July 2020 and arrive at Mars in early 2021, and carries an imaging system with several visible and UV bandpasses (EXI), a thermal IR spectrometer (EMIRS), and a UV imaging spectrometer (EMUS). Examples of science topics that postdocs may pursue include, but are not limited to:

  • Thermal structure of the lower Martian atmosphere
  • Clouds and aerosols in the Martian atmosphere
  • Atmospheric variability on diurnal, daily, and seasonal timescales
  • Vertical transport in the Martian atmosphere
  • Structure and composition of the Martian thermosphere
  • The hydrogen and oxygen exosphere of Mars
  • Thermal and photochemical escape from the Martian atmosphere
  • General Circulation Modeling of the Martian atmosphere (including upper atmosphere)

 

The fellowship is initially for two years, and renewable for up to one additional year. Postdocs will split their time each year between a host institution affiliated with the EMM science team (University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Space Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, and Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique in Paris), and KU in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While at KU the postdocs will continue their EMM research and participate in the formation of a new space science and technology center. It is anticipated that one or more of the postdocs may be able to transition to a tenure-track faculty position at KU during or after the postdoc period.

Applicants should have met the requirements for a Ph.D. in planetary science, atmospheric physics, or a related field by the end of May 2020. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with review starting May 23.

We recognize that the effectiveness and creativity of a group is strengthened by contributions from a broad range of perspectives. As such, we welcome candidates from groups that are historically underrepresented in our field.

For more information about EMM please see: https://www.mbras.ae/EMM

For more information about Khalifa University please see: https://www.ku.ac.ae/

For questions please contact: [email protected]

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a C.V., and the names of three references to https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=24229.

Emirates Mars Mission Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Posted on
Department: Varies
City: Varies
State/Province: Varies
Category: , , ,
Country: USA/France & UAE
Contact Person: Dave Brain
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: One of 8 EMM science team institutions and Khalifa University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, March 17 2020
Web Link: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=24229

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) science team and Khalifa University (KU) are inviting applications for up to 5 postdoctoral research fellowship positions. We seek candidates interested in spacecraft observations and models of the Martian atmosphere (including the upper atmosphere) relevant to EMM observations. EMM will launch in July 2020 and arrive at Mars in early 2021, and carries an imaging system with several visible and UV bandpasses (EXI), a thermal IR spectrometer (EMIRS), and a UV imaging spectrometer (EMUS). Examples of science topics that postdocs may pursue include, but are not limited to:

  • Thermal structure of the lower Martian atmosphere
  • Clouds and aerosols in the Martian atmosphere
  • Atmospheric variability on diurnal, daily, and seasonal timescales
  • Vertical transport in the Martian atmosphere
  • Structure and composition of the Martian thermosphere
  • The hydrogen and oxygen exosphere of Mars
  • Thermal and photochemical escape from the Martian atmosphere
  • General Circulation Modeling of the Martian atmosphere (including upper atmosphere)

The fellowship is initially for two years, and renewable for up to one additional year. Postdocs will split their time each year between a host institution affiliated with the EMM science team (University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Space Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, and Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique in Paris), and KU in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. While at KU the postdocs will continue their EMM research and participate in the formation of a new space science and technology center. It is anticipated that one or more of the postdocs may be able to transition to a tenure-track faculty position at KU during or after the postdoc period.

Applicants should have met the requirements for a Ph.D. in planetary science, atmospheric physics, or a related field by the end of May 2020. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with initial review starting March 17.

We recognize that the effectiveness and creativity of a group is strengthened by contributions from a broad range of perspectives. As such, we welcome candidates from groups that are historically underrepresented in our field.

For more information about EMM please see: https://www.mbras.ae/EMM

For more information about Khalifa University please see: https://www.ku.ac.ae/

For questions please contact: [email protected]

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a C.V., and the names of three references to https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=24229.

Postdoc Position: Evolution and Present-Day State of Mars’ Subsurface Environment

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Institute of Planetary Research
City: Berlin
Category: , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Ana-Catalina Plesa
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Application Due Date: Saturday, February 01 2020
Web Link: https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren/420_pd_mars_water.pdf

The Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center                                                                   
(DLR) in Berlin invites applications for a postdoc position within the                                                               
framework of a DLR junior research group. The group investigates the                                                                 
thermochemical evolution of Mars and Venus and employs an                                                                            
interdisciplinary approach that combines large-scale geodynamical                                                                    
models of thermal evolution with petrological and geological datasets.                                                               
The successful candidate will combine geomorphological analysis of the                                                               
Martian surface with modeling of the subsurface thermal environment of                                                               
Mars. The goal of the project is to collect a large and diverse dataset                                                              
about the geomorphology, spectroscopy and mineralogy of the Martian                                                                  
surface. These data, combined with results from large-scale                                                                          
geodynamical models of the Martian interior, will be applied to                                                                      
interpret the evolution and present-day state of the subsurface                                                                      
environment of Mars. In particular, this work will be used to provide                                                                
constraints on the past and present-day distribution of potential                                                                    
subsurface water on Mars and to identify possible habitable regions in                                                               
the Martian subsurface.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                    
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. degree in Planetary Science, Geology,                                                                 
Geophysics or closely related field.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                    
For more information please visit:                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                    
https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschl…          
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
Contact information: Dr. Ana-Catalina Plesa ([email protected])
 

Ph.D. Student Opportunity

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Stony Brook
State/Province: New York
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Hanna Nekvasil
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Stony Brook University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 15 2020

We have an opening for a Ph.D. student interested in experimentally investigating the interaction of volcanic gas and martian surface materials and assessing the IR spectral signature of the products beginning Fall 2020. The student will work with Dr. Hanna Nekvasil on experiments simulating boiling of magma and investigate the nature of vapor-deposited salts added to martian dust as well as the alteration of basalt by martian volcanic gas. The student will also work with Dr. A. Deanne Rogers on assessing the IR spectral signature of the martian fines altered by volcanic gas and how this signature is modified by reaction during changes in relative humidity. Interested students should contact [email protected]. Stony Brook University has a dynamic planetary science group and a long history of excellence in experimental igneous petrology. Please pass this message on to any student you think may be interested.
 

Post-Doc Job Announcement

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Lakewood
State/Province: Colorado
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Gregg Swayze
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: U.S. Geological Survey
Application Due Date: Monday, January 06 2020
Web Link: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/mendenhall/18-27-evaluating-mineral-resources-mars-exploration-and-colonization

U.S. Geological Survey – Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program – Research Opp. #18-27. Evaluating mineral resources on Mars for exploration and colonization. Closing date: January 6, 2020. GS-12 two-year appointment.  Duty station: Lakewood, Colorado, USA. Areas of Ph.D.: Geology, planetary geology, imaging spectroscopy, and mineral spectroscopy or related fields. The Denver Spectroscopy Group is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research focused on creating mineral maps of the Martian surface using orbital imaging spectrometer and broadband data emphasizing key minerals to pinpoint sites most favorable for habitat location. A related research topic involves spectrally mapping relict hydrothermal deposits to answer stubborn questions about their origin and where to focus future rover efforts to potentially discover evidence of past life. A research proposal is the most important part of the application package and will be evaluated by an expert panel. Applicants are strongly urged to coordinate the development of their proposal with the USGS research advisor (i.e., Gregg Swayze; [email protected]).

https://www.usgs.gov/centers/mendenhall/18-27-evaluating-mineral-resourc…

Postdoctoral Researcher with the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph Team

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
City: Boulder
State/Province: Colorado
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Nick Schneider
Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 15 2019
Web Link: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/jobDetail?jobId=21086

Summary: The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a talented scientist to work with the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) team on the MAVEN mission. The IUVS team has made important discoveries in the areas of Mars aeronomy, atmospheric escape and evolution, aurora, nightglow, photochemistry, composition, dynamics and cloud formation, and more discoveries are anticipated.  The team is led by Nick Schneider.

Key Responsibilities: Observational studies of the Mars atmosphere through ultraviolet spectroscopy and imaging. Scientific analysis of data obtained, publication of results in appropriate scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Support for mission/instrument operations and observation planning. Operation and enhancement of automated data processing pipelines including retrievals of atmospheric properties. Mentoring of graduate and undergraduate student researchers.

Position Requirements: Ph.D in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Physics or a related field. Coding proficiency in python, IDL or other scientific computing languages.

Desired Qualifications: Skill with data analysis, image processing and statistics. Familiarity with Mars atmospheric science, including one or more of the following: atmospheric structure, dayglow, nightglow, aurora, photochemistry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, atmospheric evolution, climate, waves and tides, familiarity with General Circulation Models and numerical simulation.

Please see https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/jobDetail?jobId=21086 for additional information about the University, LASP, benefits, etc. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Review of applications begins on 15 December. Start date is negotiable.

ESA Reserach Fellowships for Space Science

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Science Directorate
City: Noordwijk (NL) and Madrid (E)
Category: , , , ,
Country: The Netherlands and Spain
Contact Person: Oliver Jennrich
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Tuesday, October 01 2019
Web Link: http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science
 

The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year.

The aim of these fellowships is to provide scientists in their early career,
holding a PhD or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing research
in fields related to the ESA Science Programme.

Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and
astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and
fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years, with the
possible extension to three years, and are tenable at the
European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands,
or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo,
near Madrid, Spain.

Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in
the fall of 2020. Preference will be given to applications submitted by
candidates in an early stage of their career. Candidates not holding
a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of
receiving their degree before starting the fellowship.

ESA fellows are enrolled in ESA’s Social Security Scheme, which covers
medical expenses. A monthly deduction covers these short-term and long-term risks.

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2019.

More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science,
on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can retrieved from
http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

Questions on the scientific aspects of the
ESA Fellowship in Space Science not answered in the above pages can be sent
by e-mail to the fellowship coordinators, Dr. Oliver Jennrich or Dr. Jan-Uwe Ness
at the address [email protected]