Category: Mars

Mars Magnetic Fields and Upper Atmosphere Postdoctoral Researchers

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Friday, May 23 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/

Applications are now being accepted for two Postdoctoral Research Associates, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Mars magnetic fields and upper atmosphere investigations using data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission.

The MAVEN spacecraft arrives at Mars in September 2014.  MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, atmospheric interaction with the Sun and solar wind, and the loss of atmosphere to space. Both candidates will work on site at GSFC with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division. One candidate will work directly with the Magnetometer Investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Prior experience with magnetometer data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.  Another candidate will work closely with the MAVEN Project Scientist on analysis of the interaction between the Mars upper atmosphere/ionosphere and solar inputs, taking full advantage of data returned by the MAVEN spacecraft’s science payload.

The MAVEN primary mission will last one Earth year from the start of the science mapping phase in November, with an expectation that there may be an extended mission.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be at first year post-doc level or may be more senior.

Candidates for either position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research related to the Maven science objectives or the types of instruments included in the MAVEN science payload.  IDL skills and experience in acquisition and analysis of data from space flight instruments are highly desirable.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

MAVEN
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD  20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the MAVEN mission is found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven and www.nasa.gov/maven .  Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres .  For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position is available immediately.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by May 23, 2014 will receive full consideration.

Post-Doctoral Position at Univ. Hawaii

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Chemistry
City: Manoa
State/Province: Hawaii
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Brant Jones
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Hawaii
Application Due Date: Sunday, June 01 2014
Web Link: http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/Bil301/welcome.html

One postdoctoral position in experimental physical chemistry and chemical physics (reaction dynamics, astrobiology, astrochemistry) is open at the Department of Chemistry, University
of Hawai’i at Manoa, for the period of initially one year to investigate the evolution of organics under a simulated Martian environment. The salary is competitive and commensurate
with experience ranging from $ 39,000 to $ 45,000.  Successful applicants should have a strong back-ground in experimental reaction dynamics, surface scattering, UHV technology, and
VUV laser systems, optical spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman, UVVIS), and gas phase detection techniques (time-of-flight and quadrupole mass analyzer). Programming experience in C, labview,
and/or autocad and knowledge in the generation of tunable UVVUV radiation is desirable. The prime directive of this research project is to investigate the chemical fate of molecules
in the extreme environments representative of the surface of Mars. Solid communication skills in English (written and oral) and a strong publication record in internationally
circulated, peer-reviewed journals are mandatory. Only self-motivated and energetic candidates are encouraged to apply; please send a letter of interest, three letters of
recommendation, CV, which includes a publication list to Brant Jones ([email protected]), Department of Chemistry & W.M. Keck Research laboratory in Astrochemistry, University of
Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA. Only complete, electronic applications in pdf format will be considered. The review of applications will startJune 1, 2014, with an
expected start state of September 2014. A description of the current research group can be found at http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/Bil301/welcome.html and 
http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/Bil301/KLA.html.
 
Forwarded by :
Brant Jones ([email protected])

Research Scientist, Mars Science

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Science
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category:
Country: USA
Contact Person: Cheryl Cooperstein
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Application Due Date: Monday, September 01 2014
Web Link: https://careerlaunch.jpl.nasa.gov/ci20/index.jsp?locale=en_US&applicationName=jplCA&POSTING_ID=8824488&SRCSEQ=postingSearchResults&SEQ=jobDetails

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center operated by the California Institute of Technology for NASA has an opening for a Scientist to participate in future Mars exploration missions. We are primarily seeking to build upon JPL’s existing strengths in Mars science in the areas of astrobiology, geology, inorganic geochemistry, specifically including isotope geochemistry, and Mars atmospheric science, especially as related to interactions with geologic processes. The researcher will identify scientific questions and concepts to further our understanding of the origin, history, and/or habitability of Mars. Research themes of interest include: • Identification of ancient terrestrial biosignatures and the evolution of life on Earth as it relates to potential Martian life. • Identification and characterization of Mars surface geology over all spatial scales. • Elemental geochemistry of Martian material, light stable isotope geochemistry in Martian or Mars-relevant material, and/or non-traditional or radiogenic isotopes including geochronology. • Investigation of atmospheric processes on all spatial and temporal scales that influence surface and near-surface habitability. The ability to use analytical and theoretical approaches to solving problems related to the origin and evolution of Mars including the study of results from orbital and in situ Martian measurements and/or extraterrestrial samples is essential. It is expected that the candidate will pursue new mission and/or instrument opportunities for Martian exploration through advocacy and outreach within the scientific and stakeholder community. This pursuit will involve design development and operations strategies, working closely with science and engineering teams at JPL. The candidate is expected to have a Phd in Geoscience, Planetary Science, or related scientific discipline along with advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in conceiving, defining, and conducting independent scientific research. Candidates should have a demonstrated or potential strength in leadership. To view the full job description and apply to this position, please visit: http://careerlaunch.jpl.nasa.gov, (Requisition #12541). Candidates should submit a CV that includes a list of publications and an introductory cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that includes research, research goals and the names and contact information of references. JPL/Caltech is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Postdoctoral Position “Mars Analogues for Space Exploration”

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Chemistry
City: Leiden
Category: ,
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Pascale Ehrenfreund
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Leiden Institute
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 01 2014

We are seeking an enthusiastic and excellent Postdoctoral Fellow to work for the newly funded EU FP7 Framework Program MASE: Mars Analogues for Space Exploration. The program targets

the limits of life on Earth and how we can detect life in extreme environments. The project involves partners from across Europe as well as international partners. The position is for

2.5 years and will be based in the Astrobiology Group at Leiden Institute of Chemistry. Candidates motivated in working on analogue research in support of future space exploration are

invited to apply.

 

Responsibilities will include:

?? Support of campaigns at selected terrestrial analogue sites to study their geological context, and to acquire pre-screened samples using in-situ portable instruments.

?? Investigation of the habitability context on site in comparison with remote sensing data.

??Post-analysis of collected samples in the laboratory to further investigate the mineralogy, organic matter content, and biota using extraction and analytical methods.

?? Characterisation of the environmental context for organic/life detection of the selected analogue sites using the combined dataset.

The research goal is to refine search methodologies and strategies in conditions similar to those expected on Mars and other planetary objects through a combination of field research,

coordinated multi-instrument data and ground sample analysis.

 

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry or related disciplines at commencement of employment. The applicant must have laboratory experience in

spectroscopic and analytical methods. The postdoc is expected to travel for field campaign support and collaboration between MASE partner institutes (in UK, Germany, Spain, France,

Iceland) and to function in a multidisciplinary research team (EU FP7 framework). Engineering background and interest in space research will be an advantage; Good English knowledge is

essential.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research experience, and two letters of recommendation. The starting date for the positions can be as early as January

1, 2014. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Please send all information and questions to:

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund?Leiden Institute of Chemisty?

P O Box 9502?2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands?

Email: [email protected]

Postdoctoral Opportunity in Martian Geobiology

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Exobiology group
City: Orleans
Category: , ,
Country: France
Contact Person: Dr. Frances Westall
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: CNRS
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 01 2014

The FP7-funded MASE project (Mars Analogue Sites on Earth) seeks to determine the survivability of anaerobic microorganisms isolated from extreme terrestrial environments and

subjected to various Mars-related environmental stresses. However, since it is unlikely that life could survive at the surface of the planet under its present oxidizing and radiation

conditions, the ultimate goal is to determine what biosignatures could be preserved in rocks dating from the time on Mars when life may have flourished at the surface (Early-Mid

Noachian). The environmentally-abused anaerobes will be artificially fossilized and processed to imitate potential microfossils in Noachian-age martian rocks and the ensuing

biosignatures will be analysed in order to determine what might be preserved.

We seek a biogeoscientist for a 3 year postdoctoral position starting in mid 2014 to participate in this exciting and hugely timely project to detect biosignatures on Mars. The

candidate should ideally have some experience in biogeology, for instance in microbe-mineral interactions, and the analytical techniques needed to analyse the microorganisms (electron

microscopy, GC-MS, HPLC, Raman/IR spectroscopy etc.). 

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs by email to:

Dr. Frances Westall ([email protected])

Head Exobiology Group, CNRS-Centre de Biophysique Mol?culaire, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orl?ans cedex 2, France

Postdoc Advertisement

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Planetary Science
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Matt Golombek
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech/JPL
Application Due Date: Wednesday, January 01 2014
Web Link: http://postdocs.jpl.nasa.gov/researchapplicants/jobpostings/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowJobPosting&JobPostingID=474

 The Caltech Postdoctoral Scholars Program at the Jet Propulsion

Laboratory (JPL) invites applications for a postdoctoral research

position in JPL’s Planetary Science Section.

 

The research will involve selection of landing sites for the 2016

InSight Discovery and 2020 Mars Rover Missions. Dr. Matt Golombek will

serve as JPL postdoctoral advisor to the selected candidate who will

carry out research in collaboration with the advisor, resulting in

publications.

 

Candidates should have a recent PhD in Planetary Geology or related

field with a strong background using and analyzing Mars remote sensing

data. Experience in ArcGIS is highly desirable as well as experience

working with and/or generating digital elevation models. Candidates

who received their PhD within the past five years prior to the date of

their application are eligible. The annual starting salary for recent

PhD is US$52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant’s

qualifications. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a

minimum of one-year period and may be renewed to a maximum of three

years.

 

Please send a letter describing your research interests, a curriculum

vitae, a list of three references (with telephone numbers, postal and

email address) to: Matt Golombek, [email protected].  Further

information is available at:

 

http://postdocs.jpl.nasa.gov/researchapplicants/jobpostings/index.cfm?

FuseAction=ShowJobPosting&JobPostingID=474

PhD position at SRON Groningen

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Low-Energy Astrophysics
City: Groningen
Category: , , ,
Country: The Netherlands
Contact Person: Michael "Migo" Mueller
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.sron.nl/jobs-mainmenu-2480.html

PhD position (4 years) to study the role of asteroids in the delivery of water and organic material to Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
For full position details, please see http://www.sron.nl/jobs-mainmenu-2480.html and reference offer “928-959 LEA PhD student Exoplanets”

Postdoc on the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: LASP
City: Boulder
State/Province: CO
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Nick Schneider
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: U. Colorado
Application Due Date: Tuesday, December 31 2013
Web Link: https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72504

 The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position working with the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph (IUVS) team. IUVS is an instrument on board the MAVEN mission (Mars Volatile and Atmosphere EvolutioN), slated for launch in November 2013. Minimum qualification is Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field. Responsibilities and duties include: 
(1) Numerical modeling of the Mars atmosphere, including atmospheric structure, photochemistry, escape and emission spectroscopy; (2) Preparation of automated data processing pipelines and observation plans; (3) Operations support during cruise and on-orbit operations; (4) Analysis of data obtained and publication of scientific results. Please view the online application process at https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72504. For more information, please contact Nick Schneider, [email protected].

IMPRS PhD Scholarships in Solar System Science at MPS in Göttingen, Germany

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen
City: Göttingen
Category: , , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Sonja Schuh
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.solar-system-school.de/application.html

 The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen (“Solar System School”) offers a research-oriented doctoral program covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen.

Learn more about the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) of the Max Planck Society.
Learn more about the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS).
Research at the MPS covers three main research areas:

Sun and heliosphere Planets and Comets Stellar and Solar Interiors
Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen or, if they choose, another university.

Learn more about the University of Göttingen:
Georg-August-University of Göttingen Brochure
Georg-August-University of Göttingen Short profile
The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Research Campus. Successful applicants receive an attractive scholarship covering relocation support, housing and living expenses and are exempt from tuition fees.

Learn more about IMPRS PhD scholarships (grants).
The language of the structured graduate program is English, with complimentary German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides travel funds to attend international conferences.

Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics or a related field, including a written Masters thesis (or a scientific publication), and must document a good command of the English language.

Review of applications for a starting date of September 2014 will begin on 15 November 2013, but other starting times are also negotiable. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Applications should be prepared following the instructions below and must include:

a curriculum vitae;
a completed application form in PDF format, including a list of all courses with credits and grades;
a transcript of all academic records, including copies of High School Diploma, B.Sc., and M.Sc. or equivalent degree, with English or German translations.
Download the application form (PDF)
It is highly recommended to also send

GRE Physics test scores or equivalent for candidates who have obtained their Master’s degree at a university outside of Europe;
Certificate to prove proficiency in the English language, for candidates whose native language is not English or German (e.g. transcript of TOEFL / IELTS scores or equivalent).
Link to GRE subject tests
Link to TOEFL
Link to IELTS
The completed application must be sent by email in one single PDF file as an attachment to the address [email protected].

Two letters of recommendation prepared using the PDF form should be emailed to the same address by the referees.
For referees: Download the letter of recommendation form (PDF)
The Solar System School is committed to increase the diversity of its student body and particularly encourages applications from members of under-represented groups.

Further information:

Download the Call for applications (pdf).
Download the Solar System School Poster (pdf).
Browse answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Please direct any further inquiries to the IMPRS scientific coordinator, Dr. Sonja Schuh, at [email protected].

Geospatial Data & Web Applications Engineer

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Intelligent Robotics Group
City: Mountain View
State/Province: California
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Ross Beyer
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Ames Research Center, SGT, Inc.
Application Due Date: Saturday, June 01 2013
Web Link: http://tinyurl.com/cowvmou

Want to help NASA map Mars, the Moon, and Earth? Want to bring NASA’s enormous wealth of planetary science and exploration data to a wide global audience? Want to help change the way planetary scientists collaborate and share their discoveries?

The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (irg.arc.nasa.gov) has an immediate opening for a full-time data engineer / software developer to help create next generation planetary data systems and automated geospatial processing pipelines. This is a high-profile, high-impact opportunity to co-develop software that will make a difference in how we explore space and communicate our discoveries to the general public

Applicants should hold a B.S. in Computer Science (or equivalent work experience) and have excellent software engineering and system development skills. Requirements:

– 2+ years experience managing data with a geospatial component.
– 3+ years experience with software application or web service development
– Expert level experience with Linux software development
– Fluency in Python or another dynamically typed programming language
– Deep experience in JavaScript development, including use of an MV* web application framework such as Backbone.js
– Experience with the KML Specification for geographic data visualization

Knowledge of the following is greatly preferred:
– A maps-oriented Javascript API (e.g. Google Maps, Google Earth, OpenLayers, or Leaflet)
– An MVC application framework (e.g. Django)
– RESTful Web service architecture
– Projecting and manipulating geospatial data using libraries such as GEOS, Proj4, and/or GDAL
– The OGC Web Mapping Service (WMS) standard

To apply, please send:
– a cover letter with the following information:
– Why are you interested in this position?
– Why are you well-suited for this position?
– Some detail on the type and scale of projects you have worked on and platforms, languages, libraries that you have used
– What software design / engineering methods are you familiar with? Note: if you have contributed to open-source projects, please provide URL(s).
– a detailed resume (PDF or text)
– contact details for two (or more) references

to Debbie Guzman <[email protected]>

The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG, http://irg.arc.nasa.gov) is dedicated to enabling humans and robots to explore and learn about extreme environments, remote locations, and uncharted worlds. IRG conducts applied research in a wide range of areas with an emphasis on robotics systems science and field testing. IRG’s expertise includes applied computer vision (navigation, planetary mapping, automated science support), interactive 3D user interfaces, robot software architecture, and planetary rovers.