Category: Meteoritics

McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Current state: Review
Department: McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences
City: St. Louis
State/Province: Missouri
Category: , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Vickie Gee
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Washington University
Application Due Date: Saturday, December 20 2025
Web Link: https://mcss.wustl.edu/news/postdoctoral-fellowship-opening-2025

Washington University in St. Louis invites applicants to conduct independent research as a postdoctoral fellow of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences (MCSS) in the broad field of space sciences. We welcome applicants with interests in Astromaterials, Cosmochemistry, or Meteoritics; Experimental, Theoretical, or Observational Astrophysics; Planetary Science; Particle and Nuclear Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation; and Earth as a Planet. In their application materials, the candidate should describe their research interests and list potential collaborators from among the faculty fellows of the MCSS.

Employment in this fellowship is planned to begin in July 2026 for an anticipated initial one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Candidates must have a PhD or be a May 2026 degree candidate specializing in one of the fields listed above and have a record of excellent scholarship. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in relevant observational, lab-based, theoretical, and computational methodologies.

Space Scientist, AST, Planetary Studies (Direct Hire, GS14)

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astromaterials Research and Exploration Services
City: Houston
State/Province: Texas
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Institution: NASA Johnson Space Center
Application Due Date: Thursday, January 30 2025
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/827812000

NASA JOB OPPORTUNITY: PLANETARY SCIENTIST, JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

 

Space Scientist, AST, Planetary Studies (Direct Hire, GS14)

NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston, TX

As a Planetary Scientist leading the organics portfolio within the Research Branch of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division at NASA Johnson Space Center,
you will be responsible for collaborating with division and branch management to conduct and integrate research activities across your specified field of research, as well as
determine, plan for, and execute short-term and long-term goals for the organics portfolio.

APPLY TODAY

Accepting Applications: 1/17/2025 – 1/30/2025

 

Duties

* Provides expertise to the Agency and scientific community as required including in support of human and robotic missions.
* Performs world-class research on organic components of astromaterials using spectroscopy, spectrometry, or other techniques, with demonstrated expertise in making both in situ
and ex situ measurements.
* Collaborates with existing ARES scientists and external partners in the detailed study of organic components of astromaterials.
* Writes grant proposals related to organic analyses.
* Provides service to the Agency and scientific community as required in their area of expertise (e.g; paper reviews, grant panel reviews, assessment groups, or public engagement).
* Works with Branch Management to organize and manage work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements for the organics portfolio. Determines short- and long-term goals
for the portfolio, as well as strategies to achieve them.
* Communicates, collaborates and builds consensus with multiple stakeholders, the scientific community, external advisory committees, senior NASA leaders, interagency and
international partners, and programs and projects at NASA Centers.
* Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an
environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Planetary Geochemistry and Spectroscopy

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Current state: Approved
Department: Chemistry
City: Umeå
Category: ,
Country: Sweden
Contact Person: Merve Yesilbas
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Umeå Universitet
Application Due Date: Monday, May 20 2024
Web Link: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/postdoctoral-scholarships/6-813-24/

Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Planetary Geochemistry and Spectroscopy
The Department of Chemistry is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within a project aimed to resolve preservation conditions of cyanobacteria in clay minerals in the context of searching for life in Mars. This scholarship is full-time for two years with access in the spring 2024 beginning June 1, 2024 or by agreement. The application deadline is 20 May 2024.

Project description
The cyanobacteria played an active role in the evolution of life and ecological change on Early Earth. As ongoing and upcoming Mars missions of NASA and ESA search for life signatures, understanding the environmental conditions for the growth of cyanobacteria in Martian analogue clay minerals could give an insight into the life potential of modern Mars.

The postdoctoral fellow will get the opportunity to perform several laboratory experiments including sample preparation and vibrational spectroscopy measurements under Mars-like conditions. The postdoctoral fellow will participate in designing, data acquisition, analysis and paper writing processes. We offer a unique opportunity to learn high-end techniques, especially for cryogenic studies, and to build a scientific network in astrobiology and planetary science fields. The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the Yeşilbaş Lab at Umeå University. You will integrate into the Molecular Geochemistry research environment of the Department of Chemistry and Umeå Marine Sciences Environment of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. You get full access to our newly established laboratory and various analytical platforms of the Chemical and Biological Center. The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to collaborate with external research groups including NASA and attend international meetings and conferences. Furthermore, Umeå Postdoc Society (UPS) presents a very active and lively postdoc community environment for postdocs at Umeå University.

The tax-free 2-year fellowship is funded by the Kempe Foundation, and it amounts to 350 000 SEK per year.

Qualifications
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.

Priority is given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Doctoral degree should be within (geo)chemistry, planetary science, astrobiology, geosciences, or physics.

Additional requirements are:

Very good skills in written and spoken English
Good ability to lead and drive their own development
The candidate should have previous practical experience with vibrational spectroscopy and/or X-ray techniques and be familiar with data analysis.
Meriting criteria are:

Experience in mineral geochemistry, organics and microorganisms, ice chemistry research and advanced data analysis (MATLAB, Python) are considered as merits.
We are looking for candidates who are communicative, motivated, analytical and creative. A problem solver who can make progress in their projects. The candidate should be enthusiastic about personal development both as a scientist and committed to contributing positively to the research environments within the Yeşilbaş Lab (Department of Chemistry) and Umeå Marine Sciences Environment (Department of Ecology and Environmental Science).

Application
A full application should include:

A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, your scientific interests, your motives for applying, and how you feel you meet the essential and meriting criteria (max 2 pages),
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy of doctoral thesis and up to 5 relevant articles,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number  FS 2.1.6-813-24, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to [email protected]. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application deadline is  20 May 2024.

More information
For more information, please contact Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş, email: [email protected], web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/ and Prof. Dr. Agneta Andersson, email: [email protected], web: https://www.umu.se/en/staff/agneta-andersson/.

We are searching for life beyond Earth using spectroscopy in the Yeşilbaş Lab.

We look forward to receiving your application!

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center.

PhD Student in Experimental Asteroid Research

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Department: Division of Space Technology
City: Kiruna
Category: , , , ,
Country: Sweden
Contact Person: Mikael Granvik
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Luleå University of Technology
Application Due Date: Monday, June 26 2023
Web Link: https://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=6939&rmlang=UK

Luleå University of Technology is looking for a highly-motivated PhD student to join the Asteroid Engineering Laboratory located on the Space Campus in Kiruna, Sweden.

The successful candidate will carry out laboratory experiments on asteroid simulants and meteorites with the ultimate goal to understand the mechanisms that destroy asteroids close to the Sun, and how the destruction process affects the near-Earth asteroid population. The primary tool for the experimental work is the new Space and High-Irradiation Near-Sun Simulator (SHINeS), which is used for assessing how irradiation comparable to that found close to the Sun affects materials resembling those found on asteroids. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of an analytical and/or numerical model of the destruction process that will be included in evolutionary models of the near-Earth asteroid population.

The position is fully funded for 4 years with a starting salary of 32800 SEK per month + benefits.

The application deadline is June 26, 2023 CEST.

PhD Student in Experimental Asteroid Research

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Department: Division of Space Technology
City: Kiruna
Category: , , , ,
Country: Sweden
Contact Person: Mikael Granvik
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Luleå University of Technology
Application Due Date: Friday, January 20 2023
Web Link: https://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=6383&rmlang=UK

Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is looking for a highly-motivated PhD student to join the Asteroid Engineering Laboratory located on the Space Campus in Kiruna, Sweden.

The successful candidate will carry out laboratory experiments on asteroid simulants and meteorites with the ultimate goal to understand the mechanisms that destroy asteroids close to the Sun. The primary tool for the experimental work is the new Space and High-Irradiation Near-Sun Simulator (SHINeS), which is used for assessing how irradiation comparable to that found close to the Sun affects materials resembling those found on asteroids. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of an analytical and/or numerical model of the destruction process.

The position is fully funded for 4 years.

Application deadline is January 20, 2023. More information and application guidelines at

https://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=6383&rmlang=UK

 

Assistant or Associate Professor, Planetary Geosciences

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Department: Department of Geosciences
City: Auburn
State/Province: AL
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Institution: Auburn University
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 01 2022
Web Link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/32497

Faculty Position

Planetary Geosciences

Auburn University

 

The Department of Geosciences at Auburn University invites applications for a Planetary Geosciences faculty position at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The appointment would begin August 2023. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geosciences (broadly defined) or in a closely related field at the time appointment begins. Post-doctoral experience is desirable. Specialties may include, but are not limited to, terrestrial analogue studies of planetary surface processes (e.g., impact cratering and volcanic processes), orbital and/or surface robotic mission-related geosciences (e.g., missions to the Moon and Mars), planetary mineralogy and petrology (including geochronology, e.g., study of meteorites and/or future returned samples), instrument science for planetary missions, planetary geophysics and climate dynamics, and related disciplines such as astrobiology. We seek a dynamic individual with strong research potential who can obtain external funding and can link their research program to existing department strengths in geochemistry, geochronology, geomorphology, tectonics, climate science, remote-sensing and GIS, and sedimentary geology. Auburn University supports multi-departmental research efforts in the Planetary Science area in both the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Engineering. The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, publish scholarly work, and advise graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will also participate in the educational mission through teaching new specialty courses in Planetary Geosciences as well in teaching existing courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Geosciences and in our interdisciplinary Earth System Science PhD degree program. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are necessary. The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States on the date the appointment is scheduled to begin (August 2023) and must be able to continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Applications must include the applicant’s curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, and the names and contact information of three professional references, as well as up to 2 pages each for the cover letter/letter of application, the statement of research interests, the statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and the statement of inclusion. In the statement of inclusion, please describe how your experience and/or potential contributions in research, teaching, and service will advance our mission of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. The College of Sciences and Mathematics is committed to providing resources to enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and individual diversity, promote community, and prepare students, faculty, and staff to have a global impact in STEM (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/diversity/index.htm). To apply please go to https://www.auemployment.com/postings/32497, complete the online form and upload the required application documents.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the AU website to learn more about Auburn University and Geosciences program http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/geosciences/. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Review of applications will begin during December 1, 2022 and will continue until a candidate accepts appointment.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor – Advanced Materials

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Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; Chemistry; Physics and Astronomy; Biology
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Mike Sori
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, November 01 2022
Web Link: http://www.purdue.edu

The Departments of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Biological Sciences at Purdue University invite applicants for multiple faculty positions at any rank in the area of Advanced Materials, with departmental appointment(s) to align with candidate’s expertise and interests. Successful candidates hired at all faculty levels as part of this College-wide cluster search will help form the core of a new interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Materials, along with an already established dynamic group of Purdue College of Science faculty across all departments. Center faculty will create an interdisciplinary, globally competitive research presence.  Applications from researchers in all areas with relevance to Advanced Materials are welcome, including but not limited to geologic or planetary materials, mineralogy, space materials, environmental materials, and materials to address climate change or sustainability.  Questions related to this position may be addressed to Prof. Mike Sori ([email protected]) or Prof. Roger Wiens ([email protected]).  Review of applications will begin on or after Nov 1, 2022 and remain in consideration until the position is filled.  For additional details and instructions on how to apply, please visit the official job ads here:

Assistant level:   https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Professor-Assistant-IN-47906/942425200/

Associate or Full level:  https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Associate-Professor-IN-47906/940933400/

Assistant Professor – Igneous Petrology of Earth & Planetary Materials

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Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN - Indiana
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Prof. Briony Horgan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, November 15 2022
Web Link: https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/22523/

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 igneous petrology of Earth and planetary materials. EAPS supports research and teaching across both Earth and planetary science, so candidates with research programs that bridge Earth and planetary applications are especially encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include but are not limited to field, laboratory, and experimental studies of volcanic systems and/or the evolution of Earth and planetary interiors and crusts, potentially using sample-based studies of terrestrial materials, planetary returned or analog samples, or meteorites. 

Purdue EAPS is a vibrant community of researchers with diverse interests and would present significant collaborative opportunities. The department houses world-class analytical laboratories, including clean rooms associated with TIMS and ICP-MS instruments, a noble gas mass spectrometry facility, stable isotope laboratory, and access to campus-wide AMS, XRD, XRF, and electron microscopy facilities. 

Candidates must have completed their Ph.D. in geology, planetary science, or a related field, with outstanding credentials in research, an excellent track record of or potential for leading publications and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching. The appointee is expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program and display excellence in teaching and mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

For additional details, please visit the official job ad here: https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/22523/

Applications should be submitted electronically at https://hiring.science.purdue.edu. Applications should include one PDF file containing:

  • a cover letter (maximum 1 page)

  • a curriculum vitae including relevant publications

  • a statement of research (maximum 5 pages) including a vision for the research program the candidate hopes to build at Purdue

  • a teaching statement (maximum 3 pages) including possible contributions to existing of new courses, undergraduate research experiences, and teaching philosophy

  • a statement discussing past or future activities dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (maximum 1 page)

  • contact information of three individuals who can provide letters of reference.

Questions related to this position should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Briony Horgan ([email protected] and copy [email protected]). Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

Research Space Scientist

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Department: Solar System Exploration Division
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jamie Elsila Cook
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Application Due Date: Monday, July 25 2022
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/

The Science & Exploration Directorate, Solar System Exploration Division, Astrochemistry Laboratory (Code 691) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is seeking a planetary scientist with a focus on contamination control and returned samples, for a civil servant position.  The successful candidate will work as a member of the Artemis Internal Science team to define, develop, and implement sample contamination plans, as well as carrying out cutting-edge research related to planetary surface properties, the Moon, airless bodies, and/or priority planetary targets for future exploration. Expertise is required in defining or developing science requirements for sample analyses, including contamination considerations, as well as in leading collaborative groups and overseeing research . This is a GS- 14 level position located at NASA-Goddard in Greenbelt, Maryland near Washington, DC.

A full vacancy announcement, which contains further information including qualification requirements and application instructions, will be posted on July 21 to https://www.usajobs.gov/ and remain open for five days. The short period that the announcement is open is due to the type of hiring authority, and is not a reflection of the openness of the position.

W3 Professor in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

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Department: Institut für Planetologie
City: Münster
State/Province: North Rhein Westphalia
Category: , , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Prof. Norbert Hölzel
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Münster, Germany
Application Due Date: Sunday, March 20 2022
Web Link: https://www.uni-muenster.de/Rektorat/Stellen/ausschreibungen/st_20220222_mb2.html

The Institut für Planetologie in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Münster, Germany, invites applications for a tenured position as a

W3 Professor
in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

Applicants are expected to represent experimental and analytical planetology in both research and teaching. We welcome applications from candidates from all fields of planetology, including micro/nano analytics of planetary materials, cosmochemistry, cosmic mineralogy, impact research, modelling of planetary processes and systems, and experimental research in planetology. Applications from candidates with previous involvement in space missions are particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will have an outstanding research record and a strong research profile. They will be expected to collaborate with other groups at the institute and within the faculty. They will have broad interests in planetology and experience in the application of analytical/experimental methodologies in research and teaching. We also expect active participation in the teaching of planetary and Earth sciences courses at BSc and MSc levels.

The successful candidate will have experience in the acquisition and management of external funds.

The prerequisites for the application are a doctoral degree in geosciences or natural sciences and academic credentials such as a Juniorprofessorship (assistant professorship), a Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification), previous experience as an academic staff member at a university or non-university research institute, or in a research position in business, industry, administration or other relevant fields in Germany or abroad.

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of senior women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities.

The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.

Applications should be sent by email as a single PDF-file. The application must include a cover letter, CV, academic certificates, a publication list, a list of successfully raised funds, documentation of the teaching experience, and research and teaching statements. Applications must be received by March 20, 2022 and should be sent to the Dean of the Faculty:

Prof. Norbert Hölzel
Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences
University of Münster
Heisenbergstr. 2
48149 Münster
Germany
Email: [email protected]

Further information concerning the Institut für Planetologie can be found at: https://www.uni-muenster.de/Planetology/en/ifp/home.html

Questions and requests for further information should be directed to Prof. Harald Hiesinger ([email protected]).