Category: Modelling

ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme

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Department: Space Science Department
City: Madrid and Noordwijk
Category: , , , ,
Country: Spain and Netherlands
Contact Person: Guido De Marchi
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency (Spain and Netherlands)
Application Due Date: Sunday, October 31 2021
Web Link: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme

To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives (https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc).

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Collaborating States. Early-career scientists (within 10 years of the PhD) are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications by PhD students are also welcome.

During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.

Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.

Applications received before 1 November 2021 will be considered for visits in spring/summer 2022.

For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to:

[email protected] 

Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars Data Assimilation

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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.

Open Rank (Tenure-Track/Tenured) Faculty Position in Space Physics at UCLA

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Department: Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences
City: Los Angeles
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Emmanuel Masongsong
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: UCLA
Application Due Date: Sunday, October 31 2021
Web Link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF06572

Open Rank (Tenure-Track/Tenured) Faculty Position in Space Physics at UCLA

The UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) invites applications for a tenure-track/tenured faculty position in Space Physics at any rank/level. We encourage applicants from all sub-disciplines of space physics to apply, but we are particularly interested in candidates in the area of experimental space physics pertaining to the interaction of small solar system bodies, moons, or planets with solar winds or flowing plasmas (e.g., at asteroids, Mars, Uranus, or Galilean satellites). We welcome applicants whose experience in research, teaching, and community/collegial service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to excellence and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field by the date of hire, July 1, 2022.

EPSS is a vibrant and collaborative department with faculty interested in planetary, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, paleobiology, and space physics. Space physics research and education at UCLA spans several departments, including faculty in the Departments of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences and Physics & Astronomy in addition to EPSS. These departments have active research programs in physics of the solar wind, inner and outer magnetospheric physics, ionospheric physics (with connections to the neutral atmosphere), and space weather, utilizing numerical simulations, laboratory experiments, space-based and ground-based platforms. The ability of applicants to complement, and further contribute to UCLA’s long-standing strength in space physics will be a consideration in evaluation in addition to their commitment to enhancing the diversity of EPSS faculty members, graduate student population, and majors within the field.

To apply, candidates must submit (a) a cover letter, (b) CV, (c) statement of research, (d) statement of teaching, (e) statement of contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, (f) writing samples, and (g) the names of three – five individuals familiar with the candidate’s work who can serve as references.

Applications will be accepted via the UC Recruit web site at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF06572  beginning September 1, 2021 and reviews of submitted applications will commence on November 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The target start date is July 1, 2022.

UCLA has programs to assist in partner employment, childcare, schooling and other family concerns. For additional information, visit the UCLA Academic Personnel Office website or the UC Office of the President’s website.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

Post-doctoral position in Geophysics/Planetary physics

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Department: Bayerisches Geoinstitut
City: Bayreuth
Category: , , ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Dr. Remco Hin
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bayreuth
Application Due Date: Monday, November 01 2021

European Research Council funded post-doctoral position in geophysics/planetary physics to model volatile loss processes occurring during planetary growth

Hosted at the Bavarian Geoinstitute for Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany)

Applications are being received until the position is filled

 

Position.  The BGI, University of Bayreuth, Germany, is seeking a candidate for a post-doctoral position to numerically model volatile loss processes occurring during planetary growth. The work will focus on describing the formation of vapour above magma and escape of this vapour from the gravitational influence of growing planetary objects, and integrating chemical fractionation during these processes.

The position is part of a project that seeks to quantify the role of volatile loss during planetary growth and is funded by European Research Council Starting Grant Vaploss. As such, the candidate will become part of a team of two post-doctoral researchers who will work jointly with the PI (Dr. Remco Hin) on the project.

The position is funded for 2 years. The salary will be based on grade E13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Working environment.  The BGI has a long history of research into Earth and planetary sciences, including chemical and physical aspects of planetary accretion. This environment provides the candidate with ample opportunity for collaborations, which will be encouraged.

The project further consists of a close collaboration with Prof. Francis Nimmo (University of California Santa Cruz) on modelling volatile loss mechanisms, with Dr. Zoe Leinhardt (University of Bristol) on planetary growth models, and with Prof. G. Golabek (BGI) on heat inputs during planetary accretion.

Application requirements.  The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and preferably have post-doctoral experience. Good mathematical skills and communication skills in English are desirable, as is the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

The application should consist of a single pdf file containing a CV (max. 2 pages), list of publications, contact details for two suitable referees, and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) detailing your research experience and your motivation to apply for this position. The application file should be sent to Dr. Remco Hin ([email protected]), who can also be contacted by potential applicants for further inquiries about the position.

Faculty position in Exoplanets and Planetary Sciences

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Department: Faculty of Engineering and Sciences
City: Santiago
Category: , , , ,
Country: Chile
Contact Person: Andres Jordan
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
Application Due Date: Thursday, April 15 2021
Web Link: https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/f00e5b3a

The Faculty of Engineering and Sciences (FES) of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) in Santiago, Chile, seeks applications for a faculty position in the broad areas of exoplanets or planetary sciences.  All candidates in exoplanet or planetary science, broadly defined, are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in researchers working in theory and modeling of planetary interiors and atmospheres. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to pursue a high impact research program.

The successful candidates will join Professors Rafael Brahm, Andres Jordan, Gijs Mulders and Diego Muñoz at the newly created Astrophysics group at FES/UAI. The chosen candidates are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics, Astronomy, and related fields, in Spanish and/or English. Candidates do not need to be fluent in Spanish at the moment of applying. The successful candidate will have access to 10% of all telescope time on major facilities in Chile, including VLT, ALMA, Gemini, Magellan, and other telescopes in the country, as well as access to future facilities such as the GMT and E-ELT. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a reference, an Assistant Professor should expect an annual remuneration ranging between 36 and 48 million CLP (approximately 50,000 and 66,000 USD at the current exchange rate, respectively). This salary does not include potential additions from grants or research contracts.

Applications require: a cover letter, a complete curriculum vitae, and a description (5 pages maximum) of research and teaching interests. Contact information for at least three researchers willing to write letters of recommendation upon request must also be submitted. Applicants should apply by submitting the above materials as a single pdf file to Prof. Andres Jordan <[email protected]>. Applications should be submitted by April 15 2021 to ensure full consideration.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. At FES we believe that diversity broadens our research scope and enhances the quality of our education, so we highly encourage international scholars, women and other underrepresented minorities to apply.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Planetary Sciences

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Department: Astronomy
City: College Park
State/Province: Maryland
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tony Farnham / Jessica Sunshine
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Tuesday, May 18 2021

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Planetary Sciences

The Small Bodies Group in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for up to two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions to work with Tony Farnham and Jessica Sunshine on studies involving the composition and evolution of small bodies in the Solar System.  Specific topics of interest include:

  • Sublimation processes and modeling to investigate the evolution of cometary surfaces.
  • Modeling and/or simulation of granular flows in microgravity environments.
  • Mapping the distribution of organics on Ceres.

Desired skills include experience with the reduction and analysis of spacecraft imaging and spectral data, development and execution of computer simulations, knowledge of spectroscopy, and/or experience in interpreting morphologic features.

The UMD Small Bodies Group specializes in remote sensing observations, both ground-based and space-based, and theoretical modeling, primarily of comets, asteroids, and the Moon. Our group has been involved with multiple spacecraft missions and instrument teams, including Deep Impact, EPOXI, Chandrayaan-1, Dawn, Rosetta, Stardust NExT, Lucy and DART. We are also at the forefront in using current and upcoming facilities to study small bodies, including JWST, TESS, LSST, LDT and numerous other ground-based observatories. UMD also operates the Small Bodies Node of NASA’s Planetary Data System, which maintains all mission data related to small bodies in the Solar System.

Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field, which must be obtained by the time of the start date.  We recognize that strength comes through diversity and actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We encourage women and minority candidates to apply.

Those interested in applying should send a CV, a short statement (no more than 2 pages) of research goals and their experience related to the above topics and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent electronically to: [email protected].  The positions will remain open until filled.

The appointment(s) will be for two years with a possible third year extension based on performance and funding availability. Requests for additional information should be sent to [email protected].

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Research opportunities in Space Plasmas at LASP

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Current state: Approved
Department: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
City: Boulder
State/Province: Colorado
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Xiangning Chu
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Application Due Date: Sunday, January 31 2021
Web Link: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=27442

The Space Plasma Group at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, Boulder (CU)
invites applications for multiple open positions for research scientists in Space Physics at different rankings (RS-I,
RS-II, or RS-III).
Research projects include:
(1) data analysis of Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and accompanying modeling efforts to study magnetic
reconnection, turbulence, acceleration, shocks, and/or other kinetic plasma processes,
(2) application of Machine Learning to space weather, especially Earth?s radiation belt and ionospheric phenomena,
(3) analysis of Parker Solar Probe data to study near-Sun solar wind plasma and field phenomena, and
(4) Mars data analysis with key interest in the Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) data from the MAVEN mission.

The candidates must hold Ph.D. in Physics or similar Scientific or Engineering discipline. The candidate should
indicate their research interests, and how they could enhance and benefit the research projects above. Depending on the
science topic, demonstration of their skills in data analysis of particle and field observations, MHD/PIC simulation,
or machine learning is highly desirable.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit an application before January 31, 2021.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Contact information for three professional references,
Unofficial transcript (if graduated in 3 years) via the link:

https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=27442

For more information, please contact: [email protected]<

Postdoctoral Fellow Cometary Atmospheres

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Current state: Approved
Department: Physics Department
City: Aurburn
State/Province: AL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dennis Bodewits
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Auburn University
Application Due Date: Sunday, November 15 2020
Web Link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/19536

Post-doctoral research position in the Physics Department at Auburn University

The Physics Department at Auburn University invites applicants for a post-doctoral research position within the Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics group in the field of cometary atmospheres.

The successful candidate will analyze observations of comets acquired with instruments onboard space telescopes, including the Chandra X-ray observatory, the Neil Gehrels-Swift Observatory, and the new NICER instrument onboard the International Space Station. The goal of this project is to connect results from laboratory experiments conducted at Auburn and elsewhere with remote observations and models of comets and their interaction with the solar wind, and to identify atomic and molecular processes that alter the inner coma.

Familiarity with planetary science and/or atomic and molecular physics is preferred.  Substantial familiarity with a commonly-used scientific programming language (e.g. Python, Matlab, IDL) is highly desirable.

The contact for this activity is Prof. Dennis Bodewits ([email protected]).

The College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University located in Auburn AL (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam) is seeking candidates for the position of postdoctoral fellow in the sciences and mathematics.  From time-to-time, postdoctoral positions become available under a variety of research grants and projects in the college.  We are seeking applications from individuals with a PhD in any one area such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, geosciences, or related fields.  The candidates selected for these positions must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment, and must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.  The position is available as a three-year, full-time 12-month appointment, with renewal possible based on performance, need, and/or funding for a maximum of four years.  These are non-tenure-track positions.  Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.  Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2020 and continue throughout the year as the positions become available.  Please upload curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, along with a list of three references and contact information at:  https://www.auemployment.com/postings/19536

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

Postdoctoral Researcher (Visiting) (Radiative Transfer Modeling)

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City: Houston
State/Province: Texas
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Cynthia Svambera
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Lunar and Planetary Institute
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2020
Web Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f03960f2-20cd-4828-9ae5-415eefc7072e&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=371641&lang=en_US&source=CC4

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), run by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Radiative Transfer Modeling in Planetary Atmospheres.

The successful candidate will join Dr. Germán Martínez on the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) science team of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, and will participate in analysis and interpretation of measurements made by the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), one of the six environmental sensors comprising MEDA. TIRS is the first in situ Martian infrared radiometer including upward- and downward-looking channels, and it will measure the upward and downward thermal infrared radiation at the surface, the reflected solar radiation at the surface, the surface brightness temperature, and the near-surface vertical temperature profile. The successful candidate may also participate in operations planning for the MEDA instrument. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to carry out an independent research program and contribute to public engagement events at the LPI. They will also be encouraged to propose for external funding and participate in NASA grant review panels and analysis/assessment groups.

At the LPI, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with scientists of many specialties (see www.lpi.usra.edu), including scientists from the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division of the NASA Johnson Space Center (https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/). Additionally, LPI scientists maintain active collaborations with faculty at the nearby Rice University and the University of Houston.

Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Physics, or a related field. The successful candidate will develop a numerical model capable of spectrally simulating longwave radiation fluxes at the Martian surface to maximize the scientific return of TIRS. Required expertise includes proficiency in a common radiative-transfer programming language (e.g., IDL, MATLAB, Fortran), and a record of publications in relevant or similar studies. Previous experience with Mars-related research is preferred, but not required.

The position is for two years with a possible one-year extension. The candidate must be able to pass a government background investigation. Due to security restrictions, citizens of U.S. State Department Designated Countries (see link under “ECP Notices” at http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/nasaecp/) are not eligible.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers application material submitted outside of this platform will not be considered. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on October 1, 2020; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions can be addressed to Dr. Germán Martínez ([email protected]).

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JPL POSTDOC IN OCEAN WORLDS ICE SHELLS

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Current state: Approved
City: Pasadena
State/Province: California
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Samuel Howell
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2020
Web Link: https://jpl.jobs/jobs/2020-12443-Postdoctoral-Researcher-Ocean-Worlds-Ice-Shell-Modeling

In search of an enthusiastic researcher to join a wonderful group of
icy explorers at JPL! JPL is accepting applications for a postdoctoral
research position in geophysical modeling relevant to the icy layers of
Jupiter’s moon Europa, and potentially to other ocean worlds. This may
involve modeling of tectonic processes, constructing analytical or
first-principles arguments, describing ice shell evolution, melting,
freezing, and/or non-ice chemistry incorporation. These results will be
used to understand the potential for future measurements by robotic
spacecraft, and to derive environmental constraints on potential future
concepts for subsurface and ocean access. Dr. Samuel Howell, an ocean
worlds research scientist in the Planetary Interiors and Geophysics
group, will serve as the primary postdoctoral advisor. Please contact
samuel.m.howell at jpl.nasa.gov with any questions. Candidates should have
a recent Ph.D. in geology, planetary science, physics, or a related
field, with a strong background in analytical, numerical, and/or
statistical analysis as applied to geophysical research. Experience in
research relevant to the outer planet satellites and the impacts of
geophysical processes on habitability are highly desirable.

 

See full job details at link.