Assistant/Associate Researcher – Planetary Science – Space Sciences Lab

POSITION OVERVIEW
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Position title: Assistant Researcher
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t13-b.pdf . A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $140,500-$220,600.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: September 1, 2025
Position duration: One year initial appointment, contingent upon funding and performance

APPLICATION WINDOW
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Open date: May 9, 2025

Next review date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
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The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at UC Berkeley is seeking one or two Assistant/Associate Researcher(s) for the Planetary and Exobiology Group. These roles are designed for candidates with expertise in giant planet atmospheric composition and dynamics.

Successful candidates will be involved in observation, modeling, and sample analysis. They will conduct acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of imaging and spectroscopic remote sensing data. They will also run numerical simulations of atmospheric dynamics, apply radiative transfer modeling, and leverage machine learning techniques to support research objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct numerical simulations of giant planet atmospheric dynamics.
Apply machine learning techniques to enhance the science return from spacecraft observations.
Characterize instrument performance and develop science requirements to support development of miniaturized composition sensors.
Lead and contribute to NASA funding proposals and other grant opportunities.
Manage and execute independent research initiatives that align with SSL’s mission and NASA strategic goals.
Participate in relevant professional and academic communities, representing SSL’s research in conferences, meetings, and publications.

Department: https://www.ssl.berkeley.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS
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Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
• A PhD or equivalent international degree.

Preferred qualifications:
• PhD in Planetary Science, Space Science, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, or related areas
• At least 2 years of post-doctoral research experience, with relevant publications
• Experience proposing and securing funding for research activities
• Able to work night shifts (telescope observations, thermal vac testing, etc.)
• Strong background in computational, theoretical, and experimental fluid dynamics
• Experience with citizen science, teaching, major software tool development, and the analysis and archiving of NASA spacecraft data.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple scientific computing, data analysis, and web/CGI languages (e.g., IDL, Python, MATLAB, Java, JavaScript, PHP)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
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Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
3-5 references (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04888

Help contact: [email protected]

About UC Berkeley
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UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please visit the Apply link above for further detail, including links to the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, policy on Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment (and other relevant sections of the Academic Policy Manual), the Principles of Community, the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, and the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality.