The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship that will address a variety of investigations related to the hydrologic evolution of Mars. Applicants, with recent PHDs, should have a strong background in math, hydrology, groundwater modelling (MODFLOW), and computer programing (FORTRAN and/or Matlab). Additional experience in one or more of the following: planetary science, remote sensing, and/or Global Climate Modeling, is preferred but is not a prerequisite for selection.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Stephen Clifford at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. The position is for two years, with a possible extension to a third year. The candidate is expected to work half-time in support of Dr. Clifford’s NASA-funded research and half-time on their own individual research projects, which may utilize the computational and analytical resources at LPI and the nearby NASA Johnson Space Center. The candidate will be encouraged to propose for external funding, participate in grant review panels and analysis groups, and become further involved with spacecraft missions.

At the LPI, the successful candidate will interact with scientists with a broad range specialties and backgrounds, including Astromaterials, lunar science and exploration, Mars, Venus, and icy/ocean worlds. LPI scientists maintain active collaborations with the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) group at Johnson Space Center and with faculty in the geosciences departments of Rice University and the University of Houston.

The candidate must be able to pass a detailed government background investigation. Applicants should apply to the posting at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/  and include a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references. Review of candidates will begin on October 17, 2016, with a hiring decision as soon as possible thereafter. Additional information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found through our website www.lpi.usra.edu and www.usra.edu.

USRA is an independent, non-profit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers – on schedule and within budget.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity