Category: Missions

W3 Professor in Experimental and Analytical Planetology

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
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]).

Mars 2020 Postdoc

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
City: West Lafayette
State/Province: IN
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Briony Horgan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Purdue University
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 28 2022
Web Link: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/West-Lafayette-Post-Doc-Research-Associate-IN-47906/853529100/

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science at Purdue University has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Mastcam-Z team on the Perseverance rover, part of the Mars 2020 mission, to conduct geological investigations using Mastcam-Z images and multispectral data in concert with other payload and remote sensing datasets. Possible investigation topics include but are not limited to igneous, fluvial, and impact processes, as well as diagenesis and alteration, as observed in Jezero crater and through regional and global context studies. The postdoc would also support Mastcam-Z and project-level operations roles and actively participate in collaborative team scientific activities. A PhD in geology, planetary science, or a closely related field is required. Experience in reflectance spectroscopy or remote sensing data analysis is preferred. The position is available immediately and is expected to run for 2 years pending availability of funding.  A background check is required for employment in this position. The position will remain open until filled.

 

Please direct all questions to Prof. Briony Horgan ([email protected]).  Applications should include a CV, the names and contact information of 3 professional references, and a cover letter summarizing relevant past experience for the position and why you are interested in the position.

 

Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Research Fellow in numerical modelling

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: School of Earth and Planetary Sciences
City: Perth
State/Province: WA
Category: , , , ,
Country: Australia
Contact Person: Katarina Miljkovic
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Curtin University
Application Due Date: Thursday, March 31 2022
Web Link: http://staff.curtin.edu.au/job-vacancies/?ja-job=444368

Working in this role includes numerical modelling in geophysics and geology applied to numerical simulation and visualization of crater formation process, using the state-of-the-art 2D and 3D modelling techniques available at Curtin. Your role will be to numerically simulate crater formation process on Mars, the Earth and Moon to better understand the structure and evolution of lunar and planetary crusts. Numerical validation can be made with publicly available data, including the latest research associated with NASA’s InSight mission, currently operating on Mars. This project is aimed to bridge the gap between observations and modelling, and understand craters on terrestrial bodies in the context of future exploration and exploitation specific to impact crater sites.

In this position, you will be part of an ARC Future Fellowship team that will sustain and enhance international collaboration with a number of world-class groups that participate in the NASA InSight mission. The project also introduces and extends collaborations with impact specialists, crater experts, and lunar and planetary geophysics specialists around the world, covering diverse areas of Earth and planetary science.

You will also supervise students, giving you the opportunity to further develop your supervisory experience. You will also be free to take up a topic of your choosing and continue developing your own research portfolio in addition to the allocated tasks. There may be an opportunity to gain some undergraduate teaching experience as well.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Planetary Science

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics Department
City: Annapolis
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Matthew Knight
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: U.S. Naval Academy
Application Due Date: Tuesday, March 01 2022
Web Link: https://www.usna.edu/HRO/jobinfo/Physics-AsstResearchProf-AY22.php

Applications are invited for a position as a postdoctoral
Assistant Research Professor in planetary science at the U.S. Naval
Academy (USNA) Physics Department in support of Assistant Professor
Matthew Knight, to begin as early as Spring 2022. The successful
applicant will lead analyses of comets observed with heliophysics
assets and will assist in observational support and analyses of NASA’s
Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). The position will involve
collaboration with colleagues at the Naval Research Laboratory,
University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics
Laboratory, and may require travel to obtain new observations in Chile
and/or Flagstaff, AZ. The successful candidate will also be encouraged
to pursue research of their own choosing.

This is a federal excepted service position with a one-year initial
appointment and the possibility of renewing for an additional year.
For additional information on the position and how to apply, please
visit https://www.usna.edu/HRO/jobinfo/Physics-AsstResearchProf-AY22.php.

Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2022 and the position
will remain open until filled.

Applied Data Scientist

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Institution: Caltech
Application Due Date: Tuesday, February 01 2022
Web Link: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CALTECH&cws=37&rid=6258

IPAC at the California Institute of Technology is soliciting applications for an Applied Data Scientist to work on the Near Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor program. NEO Surveyor is a NASA Planetary Defense mission that will launch in early 2026. The NEO Surveyor observatory consists of a passively cooled 50 cm telescope located at Sun-Earth L1 equipped with a wide-field camera that will image the sky simultaneously in two mid-infrared bands. Operations will be optimized to detect, track, and characterize Near Earth Objects (NEOs) and more distant small bodies in the solar system. NEO Surveyor will detect approximately 100,000 Main Belt Asteroids, NEOs, and comets each day against a background of tens of millions of distant stars and galaxies.

IPAC is developing and will operate the Survey Data System (NSDS) for NEO Surveyor that ingests raw data from the flight system, processes those data into calibrated image and source detection products, performs automated searches for moving solar system objects, assesses the quality of the survey data, and distributes data products to NASA archives and the user community. The NSDS will make use of machine learning based automated classifiers in several key steps including differentiation between real and spurious detections of moving object candidates, identification of reliable moving object tracklet candidates, and identification of comet candidates in the moving object detection stream.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Planetary Science and Exoplanets

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Earth and Planetary Sciences
City: Riverside
State/Province: CA
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Stephen Kane
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of California, Riverside
Application Due Date: Friday, December 17 2021
Web Link: https://epsci.ucr.edu/sites/g/files/rcwecm4976/files/2021-10/job_advertisement_postdoc_kane.pdf

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in planetary science and exoplanets at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). The successful applicant will work in the Planetary Research Laboratory, led by Dr. Stephen Kane. The primary research activities cover a broad range of exoplanet, planetary science, and astrobiology topics, including exoplanet detection and characterization, Venus (both intrinsically and as an exoplanet analog), orbital dynamics, atmospheres and climate, and planetary habitability. Typical data sources are Kepler, Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), Keck, the Automated Planet Finder (APF), MINERVA-Australis, and various Planetary Data System (PDS) mission archives. The group is also a member of the DAVINCI+ mission, a selected NASA mission to study the Venusian atmosphere. The Postdoctoral Scholar will primarily work on Venus science, Solar System exoplanet analogs, and climate simulations.

Candidates must hold a PhD in astronomy, physics, planetary sciences, geology or related field before their start date. Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in Venus, climate modeling, and/or atmospheric characterization of terrestrial exoplanets. The position is for two years with expected renewal for a third year contingent upon satisfactory research performance. The salary is competitive, and health benefits are provided.

Applicants are requested to submit via email a single PDF file containing a current CV, list of publications, and statement of research interests. The applicant should also arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted, also via email. Complete applications are due by December 17, 2021. E-mail inquiries and application materials should be addressed to: [email protected].

The University of California, Riverside is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, committed to excellence through diversity. We strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

positions at Freie Universitaet Berlin for PLATO

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Berlin
Category: , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Heike Rauer
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Freie Universitaet Berlin
Application Due Date: Monday, November 29 2021
Web Link: https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GW-WiMi_PLATO-PCOT_Planetologie-2021_EN.html

We announce 2 positions at the FU Berlin related to the PLATO Mission (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars), whose goal is the search and characterization of extrasolar planets, including Earth-like planets. The FU Berlin (Department of Geosciences/Planetary Sciences) cooperates with the Institute of Planetary Research of the German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR) within the PLATO mission.

Position 1: Research assistant (Data Engineer) (f/m/d)
full-time job limited to 30.09.2024
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU
Reference code: WiMi_PLATO-PCOT_Planetologie 2021_EN
Deadline: 29.11.2021
Link:
https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GW-WiM…

The position announced is part of the work performed by the PLATO Mission Consortium (PMC) and will be performed in close cooperation with PMC partners in Berlin (Institut fur Planetenforschung des Deutschen Zentrums fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.), other European PMC members and with ESA.
Applicants shall contribute to the work of the PLATO Calibration and Operations Team (PCOT) and take part in supporting the PLATO Data Center (PDC), the Science Operations Center (SOC) and other groups within the Science Ground Segment (SGS) concerning issues on design, requirements management, integration and verification of the PLATO On-ground data processing Calibration pipeline.

Job description:
Ground segment data processing engineering support to the PLATO Calibration and Operations Team (PCOT).
Responsibilities:
– Supporting the design and elicitation of requirements of the CPDS (Calibration Parameters Derivation System).
– Supporting definition of the calibration products derived from the CPDS.
– Interface with the Data Processing System (DPS) for the provision of the on-board science configuration parameters via CPDS.

– Interface with PDC for the provision of calibration parameters used for instrumental corrections on the L1
ground-processing pipeline.
– Supporting implementation of CPDS interfaces with the rest of the Ground Data Processing (GDP) subsystems.
– Supporting the CPDS verification and overall GDP verification.
– Supporting the PCOT Manager (PCOTM) with the elaboration of Calibration and Operations plans and P/L User
Manual.

Requirements:
– A Master degree in engineering or physics

(Professional) Experience:
– Professional experience in a scientific or technical environment.

Desirable:
– Experience in optical payload operations and associated software systems is highly desirable.
– Experience in Agile and/or DevOps methodologies and DevOps would be a further asset.
– Experience in ground processing pipelines for space instruments (preferably optical payload).
– Understanding of development and maintenance of ground infrastructure and/or software systems.
– Knowledge of large operations and associated software systems, preferably space-based high motivation,
ability to work independently as well as part of a team, excellent communication skills.

– very good written and spoken English language competences
– good programming skills
– good documentation skills

Practical information

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code
(WiMi_PLATO-PCOT_Planetologie 2021_EN), in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Mrs. Prof. Dr. Heike
Rauer: [email protected]<https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GW-WiM…

Position 2: Research assistant (physicist, astronomer, astrophysicist, engineer) (f/m/d) full-time job limited
to 30.09.2024 Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU Reference code: WiMi_PLATO-PPT_Planetologie 2021
full-time job limited to 30.09.2024
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU
Reference code: WiMi_PLATO-PPT_Planetologie 2021
Deadline: 29.11.2021
Link:
https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GW-WiM…
Applicants shall contribute to the work of the PLATO Performance Team (PPT) in the topics detailed below,
including the use of simulation tools to support science performance verification activities, the contribution to discussions in the PLATO Consortium (in particular PLATO Science Working Team; PLATO System Assembly, Integration, and Verification Working Group; Mission System Engineering Working Group; PLATO Progress Meetings, PLATO Weeks), and support the Performance Team activities: on the validation of the science performance requirements and budgets, on the review of the verification of ground segment requirements related to science performance, on the scientific definition and justification of the procedures for in-orbit calibration for aspects related to science performance, on the assessment and discussion of non-conformances with impact of science performance.

Job description:
Support to PLATO Science Performance Verification.
Responsibilities:
* Definition and justification of the main performance requirements and budgets driving the payload design (noise and signal, pointing, focus, alignment, thermo-mechanical properties…).
* Review of the verification requirements of the units for aspects related to science performance.
* Support of the analysis of the calibration data obtained by the test houses in aspects related to science performance (best focus calibration, etc.).

* Support of the definition and justification of the procedures for the in-orbit calibration of the instrument
in aspects related to science performance.
* Support of ground segment validation for aspects related to science performance.
* Support of the discussion of all non-compliances, request for change (RfC), request for deviation (RfD), and
request for waiver (RfW) in the project (Camera, DPS, or mission) with impact on science performance.

Requirements:
* A Master in engineering or physics.

(Professional) Experience:
* Professional experience in a scientific or technical environment.

Desirable:
* Good programming and documentation skills.
* Experience in optical payload assembly, integration, and test, in particular in the analysis of the results.
* Experience in the development and implementation of ground processing pipelines for space instruments
(preferably optical payloads).
* Experience in extrasolar planet search and characterization by the method of transits.
* Experience in astroseismology from space.
* For candidates with scientist profile, good publication record.
* High motivation, ability to work independently as well as part of a large international team, excellent
communication skills, interest in education and public outreach.

* Very good written and spoken English language competences.

Practical information

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code
(WiMi_PLATO-PPT_Planetologie 2021), in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Mrs. Prof. Dr. Heike Rauer:
[email protected]<https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/english/GW-WiM…

ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Directorate of Science
City: Noordwijk (Netherlands), Madrid (Spain), Baltimore (USA)
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Yannis Zouganelis
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Monday, September 27 2021
Web Link: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships

We are pleased to inform you about the opening of the call for European Space Agency’s Research Fellowships in Space Science. The call is opening on 30 August 2021 with an application deadline on 27 September 2021. 

ESA’s postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. Research Fellowships in Space Science specifically offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA’s endeavour to explore our Solar System and the Universe, and cover the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. 

The research fellowships offer a unique insight into ESA’s environment and activities while conducting cutting edge research. Mentoring and training opportunities are available, as are possibilities to engage with ESA science-related activities (e.g., archive/data science, operations, calibration, communication, citizen science). 

Approximately 12 ESA Fellowships in Space Science (SCI) will be offered this year, to join the pool of about 25 Research Fellows. Within the Science Directorate (SCI), we welcome all independent proposals for innovative research associated with one or more of our missions. The Space Science fellowships can be taken up at any of the three sites ESAC (Spain), ESTEC (Netherlands) or STScI (USA) and we encourage applicants to choose sites that allow for best local collaborations. To learn more about the research conducted by the ESA scientists at different sites, please visit the Faculty Member Directory and the pages for the Faculty research groups. There is a separate page for research at the ESA Office at STScI (see also the research of non-ESA scientists at STScI). 

Duration: Appointments are for a maximum of three years. The initial project is for two years. An extension for a third year requires a dedicated proposal and is frequently granted.

Eligibility: Citizens of ESA Member States or of cooperating and associated countries. 

More information on the Research Fellowship programme and on how to apply 

can be found at  https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships 

Deadline for applications is 27 September 2021. 

Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars Data Assimilation

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: National Space Science and Technology Center
City: Al Ain
State/Province: Abu Dhabi
Category: , , , ,
Country: United Arab Emirates
Contact Person: Dr Roland Young
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: UAE University
Application Due Date: Thursday, September 30 2021
Web Link: https://rolandyoung.bitbucket.io/601471.pdf

The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, UAE, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars Data Assimilation. The anticipated start date is the beginning of 2022, for an initial period of two years. Review of applications will begin on 1 October 2021. 

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) arrived at Mars in February 2021. Its unique orbit and viewing geometry make it an ideal platform to use data assimilation to combine observations with Mars General Circulation Model (GCM) simulations. The purpose of this position is to expand an existing data assimilation scheme to also assimilate aerosol and trace gas data (dust, water ice, water vapour, and ozone) from EMM’s instruments, primarily data from the thermal infrared Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer, but also from the visible/UV Emirates eXploration Imager. The aim is to assimilate as many datasets from EMM’s instruments simultaneously, to produce complete climate states that incorporate all of EMM’s lower atmosphere observations.

The postdoc will have some freedom to develop this research as they like, within the bounds of what has been done already. They will be expected to use the obtained data products to perform independent research on open science questions related to Mars’ atmosphere. NSSTC will also require the successful candidate to devote some of their time to its operational Earth Observation objectives, based on personal experience and expertise. 

The assimilation scheme is based on the LETKF and uses the LMD Mars GCM, with previous work using observations from ExoMars-TGO-ACS and NASA-MRO-MCS. An ideal candidate will already have experience with some or all of these instruments and methods.

The position offers a competitive monthly tax-free salary, an excellent medical insurance package for the applicant and their family, and travel funds.

Applications should be made via https://jobs.uaeu.ac.ae. Information about the NSSTC Planetary Science group can be found at https://rolandyoung.bitbucket.io/research-group.html.

Staff Scientist at NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI)

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: David Ciardi & Jessie Christiansen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech
Application Due Date: Wednesday, April 21 2021
Web Link: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/758f2252

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

IPAC at Caltech is accepting applications for a scientist to work at the NASA Exoplanet Archive, within the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. As a scientist at IPAC you will work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to populate and improve how the NASA Exoplanet Archive serves and visualizes exoplanet atmospheric data, while carrying out your own research program.

IPAC at Caltech
IPAC is located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, as well as a thriving community of curious and passionate people who collaborate to understand and solve complex scientific and societal challenges. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar Observatory, Keck Observatory, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding black holes for the first time. Caltech is an award-winning workplace and one of the best places to work in the greater Los Angeles area. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership. As a scientist at IPAC you will have access to institutional observing resources at Palomar Observatory and Las Cumbres Observatory. We offer an exciting and dynamic environment, exceptional career development opportunities, competitive pay programs, great benefits, and the opportunity to participate in many campus programs and activities. We seek the best and brightest talent to join our workforce and become members of our community. Exceptional employees are the key to Caltech’s remarkable success.

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI)
As a part of IPAC, the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI; nexsci.caltech.edu) provides science operations, analysis tools and archive services related to the discovery and characterization of planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) using data from observatories in space and on the ground. NExScI operates the NASA Exoplanet Archive which is the premiere exoplanet catalog and is seeking a scientist to help guide the expansion of the Exoplanet Archive to serve and visualize exoplanet atmospheric data. Together IPAC and NExScI support more than 20 astronomy missions which have made or will make major contributions in exoplanet science, astrophysics and cosmology. These include past missions such as Spitzer, Kepler; and WISE, on-going missions such as NEOWISE, TESS and the 10 m Keck telescopes, and future missions such as the Roman Space Telescope, ESA’s ARIEL and EUCLID projects, and the SPHEREx Explorer.

NASA’s Exoplanet Archive is a key component of NExScI and is NASA’s official repository of confirmed exoplanets. The Exoplanet Archive is used by researchers worldwide and provides an integrated interface of exoplanet system parameters published in the literature and produced by missions such as CoRoT, Kepler, K2, and TESS. The Exoplanet Archive is a dynamic service that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the exoplanetary astrophysics community with an ever increasing set of holdings on new planets, survey data, and mission products relevant to exoplanet discovery and characterization. The data and interfaces used continue to evolve and expand, and the Exoplanet Archive is seeking a motivated scientist to help guide the Archive in the development of new visualization environments for exoplanet atmospheric data. You will have a role as part of the Exoplanet Archive team in creating and expanding this vibrant environment for exoplanet researchers.

NExScI at IPAC is part of an active scientific atmosphere as part of Caltech and associated with JPL as well as being embedded in the Southern California environment.  As a member of this scientific community, you are encouraged to have an independent research program in exoplanet and/or planetary science.

Job Duties

  • Work with the NASA Exoplanet Archive team of scientists and developers to identify new exoplanet datasets related to atmospheric characterization and to define and develop new tools, capabilities, and interfaces for users to visualize and interact with exoplanet atmospheric data.
  • Work with the Exoplanet Archive team to identify and ingest new exoplanet systems into the archive
  • Carry out a research program related to exoplanet science
  • Network and build relationships with the wider exoplanet and planetary science communities

Basic Qualifications

  • PhD in Planetary Science, Astronomy, or related discipline
  • Strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to work well with others on a small team
  • Comprehensive knowledge of exoplanet detection and characterization techniques

Preferred Qualifications

These are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the position. The following attributes would make you a better fit for this position, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.

  • Experience with exoplanet atmosphere characterization techniques
  • Experience with python and scripting

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • List of three professional references

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s benefits programs, facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.

Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to six months.

You can also find the position listed on Caltech’s website here.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [email protected]. 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Selection Deadline: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Current Status of Position: Accepting Applicants