Two tenure-track positions in Amsterdam for exoplanetary research

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Carsten Dominik and Avri Selig
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Amsterdam and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Application Due Date: Thursday, May 15 2014

Two Tenure-track positions for exoplanetary research and instrumentation at the Anton Pannekoek
Institute for Astronomy of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and at SRON Netherlands Institute for
Space Research. The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy at the University of Amsterdam
has a long tradition of excellence in astronomical research, including a strong program on star and planet
formation. It is part of the Dutch Top Research School NOVA. At SRON Netherlands Institute for Space
Research specialists from various disciplines work together to push back the frontiers of technology and with
this to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. SRON is considered to be a global leader in the area of
earth and space science, due to the space instruments it develops for the satellites of ESA, NASA and JAXA.

The UvA and SRON are seeking to fill two tenure-track positions in the field of exoplanetary research, in
order to start a close collaboration in this area. In the context of a large reshaping of the research
landscape in Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam and the Free University are intensifying their
collaboration in Natural Sciences, creating one of the largest concentrations in Europe. Research into

exoplanets and the connections with System Earth will be a strong focus of research on the Science Park
campus. In addition, SRON/Utrecht is planning to relocate from its current location in Utrecht to a new
building in the Science Park in Amsterdam. In order to build a new area of joint research between SRON
and the astronomy department of the universities in Amsterdam and other universities, we are looking for

1. An observational astronomer with strong abilities to work with existing ESO and other
internationally competitive instrumentation on the detection and in particular characterization
of exoplanets. The candidate will have an exceptionally strong research program in this area and should
be able to connect both to the research on protoplanetary disks and planet formation at the University of
Amsterdam and to instrumentation efforts at SRON.

2. A planetary atmosphere modelling expert with strong abilities for the analysis and modelling
of exoplanet observations. The candidate is expected to build up strong ties with international
instrumentation teams in the field of the conception and scientific optimization of new ground based and
in particular space based instrumentation.

Both candidates are required to have a PhD in (astro)physics and should have proven capabilities to build
up a research group of internationally outstanding level. Scientists at both institutions have access to
national funding lines, e.g. the “Vernieuwings Impuls” at the Dutch research organization NWO, as well as 

European funding lines like ERC grants and FP7 programs and networks.

The selected candidates will be offered a tenure track appointment at UvA or SRON. The salary will be at
assistant/associate professor equivalent levels based primarily on previous experience.
Letters of application (including resume, research and teaching statements, publication list highlighting
five characteristic ones) and (separately) three letters of reference should be sent to
[email protected] before 15 May 2014. Applications will continue to be considered until the
position is filled.
Comprehensive benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, 13th month, disability insurance, maternity and
parental leave, affordable health insurance, and retirement benefits.
For further enquiries contact: Prof.Dr. Carsten Dominik ([email protected]) and Dr. Avri Selig
([email protected]).

 

Assistant Professor – Theoretical Astrophysics Program – University of Arizona

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Theoretical Astrophysics Program
City: Tucson
State/Province: AZ
Country: USA
Contact Person: Professor Renu Malhotra
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Arizona
Application Due Date: Tuesday, July 01 2014
Web Link: http://www.hr.arizona.edu

FACULTY POSITION Theoretical Astrophysics The University of Arizona The University of Arizona’s Theoretical Astrophysics Program invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to begin in Fall 2014. The Theoretical Astrophysics Program is an interdisciplinary program that fosters academic and scientific links among the Departments of Astronomy, Physics and Planetary Sciences at the University, to complement with a strong theory program the world-renowned astronomical facilities in Tucson, AZ. The Program consists of five core faculty and about 25 affiliate members working in a range of topics spanning solar system astrophysics to cosmology. In addition to the typical facilities available at a research university, the UA’s Research Data Center provides our faculty access to local high-end supercomputing resources including distributed, shared-memory and GPU architectures. We interpret theoretical astrophysics broadly, and our areas of interest include planetary sciences, atomic and molecular astrophysics, high-energy and nuclear astrophysics, particle astrophysics, plasma astrophysics, stellar and galactic astrophysics and cosmology. We are interested in highly qualified individuals from any area of theoretical astrophysics who will interact effectively with the participating departments. The appointment will be at the level of assistant professor in one or more of the participating departments. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or a closely related field. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate through advanced graduate classes, establish and maintain a distinguished research program and contribute to academic service. Review of applications will begin on December 2, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. Please apply at https://www.uacareertrack.com/, job number 53843. Applicants are asked to submit a CV with publication list, statement of research interests, statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and addresses of at least three references. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the University of Arizona recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences and backgrounds. Please direct inquiries to: Professor Renu Malhotra Chair, Theoretical Astrophysics Program 1629 E University Boulevard The University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona 85721-0092 Email: [email protected]

PhD position at SRON Groningen

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

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

Research Associate in Planetary Physics

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Contact Person: Marina Galand
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Imperial College London
Application Due Date: Wednesday, November 13 2013
Web Link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/spat/jobs

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher for a position available for up to two years. This position
will be based within the Space and Atmospheric Physics Research Group.

The work involves modelling, data analysis, and interpretation in planetary and cometary atmospheric
physics to complement and advance areas of interest within the Group. The postholder will in
particular be asked to develop a comprehensive, chemical model applied to a cometary, dusty coma.
Other possible topics of research include assessing plasma production, transport, and loss at Saturn’s
moon, Titan. The work will exploit the Group’s involvement in major international planetary satellite
missions, notably the Rosetta and Cassini missions. The project will involve a high degree of
teamwork and interdisciplinary research.

Postdoc on the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph

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

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

Research Associate

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astronomy
City: Ithaca
State/Province: NY
Country: USA
Contact Person: Lynda Sovocool, Human Resource Manager
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cornell University
Application Due Date: Monday, September 30 2013

 RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN PLANETARY SCIENCE

We invite applications for a position as a Research Associate at Cornell University. This will support investigations into planetary ring processes, in particular the planning and analysis of imaging (ISS) and infrared (VIMS) observations obtained by the Cassini mission now orbiting Saturn. Our specific interests lie in structural and dynamical processes of Saturn’s rings, including its main and faint rings and small satellites. Candidates must have a PhD in the physical sciences (planetary science, astronomy, physics, geophysics, or related fields).

The initial appointment is for one year, but the appointment is renewable for at least an additional year. Review of applications has begun, but we will accept applications until September 30. The expected start date is later in fall 2013, but is negotiable.

Applicants should submit a resume, a one-page statement of research experience and interests, and names of three potential references to Lynda Sovocool ([email protected]), Human Resource Manager, 106 Space Sciences Bldg., Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853. Cornell University is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE in Planetary Science

Research Associates at Cornell University are expected to carry out joint and independent research that will be published in the refereed literature. Candidates for this position should hold a PhD in planetary science, astronomy, physics, geophysics or related fields, and should be familiar with several software packages and preferably image processing. This individual will investigate planetary ring processes, through planning and analyzing imaging (ISS) and infrared (VIMS) observations obtained by the Cassini mission now orbiting Saturn. Specific interests lie in structural and dynamical processes of Saturn’s rings, including its faint rings and small satellites. The candidate will attend professional conferences and meetings of Cassini spacecraft science teams. Research associates may also participate with faculty in guiding the research of undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Research Associate

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astronomy
City: Ithaca
State/Province: NY
Country: USA
Contact Person: Joseph A. Burns/ Philip D. Nicholson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cornell University
Application Due Date: Thursday, August 15 2013

  We invite applications for a position as a Research Associate at Cornell University. This will support investigations into planetary ring processes, in particular the planning and analysis of imaging and IR observations obtained by the Cassini mission. Our specific interests lie in structural and dynamical processes of Saturn’s rings, including its main and faint rings and small satellites. Candidates must have a PhD in planetary science, astronomy or physics.
The initial appointment is for a year, but is renewable for at least an additional year. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2013, and the position will remain open until filled. Start date is fall 2013.
Please submit a resume, a 1-page statement of research experience and interests, and names of three references.Cornell is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer.

Postdoctoral researcher in Planetary Sciences

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Current state: Approved
Department: Applied Physics I
City: Bilbao
Country: Spain
Contact Person: Agustin Sánchez Lavega
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU
Application Due Date: Monday, July 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.ajax.ehu.es/

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), working with Prof A. Sánchez Lavega on Planetary Atmospheres. The successful candidate will join the Planetary Science Group at the Applied Physics Department in the Faculty of Engineering of the UPV/EHU, located in central Bilbao. The Planetary Science Group (http://www.ajax.ehu.es/) is a consolidated research group of the highest rank within the Basque Government Research System, and it is presently involved in several international space missions and proposals. Candidates with proven expertise in one of the following areas will be considered: – Dynamical modeling of planetary atmospheres (numerical methods) – Radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres (optical and infrared). Successful candidates must have a PhD in astrophysics, geophysics (planets) or a related discipline. They must be able to work independently, have a high degree of computer literacy and a proven ability to reduce scientific data. Proficiency in high level programming is essential and experience with parallelization desirable. The post is funded by the Directorate for Science Policy of the Basque Government. The initial appointment is for one year, but it is renewable until December 2015. Gross salary is of approximately 32000 € per year. The position will be open until we find a suitable candidate. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be addressed to Dr. T. del Río Gaztelurrutia ([email protected]) and Prof. A. Sánchez Lavega ([email protected]) including a curriculum vitae and a statement of research experience and interests. Applicants should arrange for two academic references to be sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

Postdoctoral position on Venus science at Paris Observatory

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Current state: Approved
Department: LESIA - Laboratoire d'Etudes Spatiales et d'Instrumentation en Astrophysiue
City: Meudon
Country: France
Contact Person: Dr Thomas Widemann
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Observatoire de Paris / Paris Observatory
Application Due Date: Wednesday, July 24 2013

The position is available on Oct. 1, 2013 for a duration of two years, to work on millimeter-observations of Venus’ atmosphere obtained with the ALMA interferometer.

The successful candidate will lead high profile research based on exploitation of ESO/Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of Venus’ upper atmosphere chemistry and dynamics. His/her main work will be in the analysis, modeling and interpretation of the upper atmosphere structure, variability of trace species (CO, HDO, SO, SO2), wind measurements and their spatial and temporal variability at different vertical levels. The work will be carried out in Laboratoire d’Etudes Spatiales et d’Instrumentation en Astrophysique (LESIA), a department of Paris Observatory in Meudon in collaboration with Drs T. Encrenaz, R. Moreno, E. Lellouch.

Candidates should have a PhD in atmospheric science, with strong background in radiative transfer modeling of planetary atmosphere in the millimeter/submillimeter range. Experience in data-reduction with radio-interferometer is highly desirable. Also essential are experience with scientific computing environments, and a reasonable number of high quality publications commensurate with stage of career.

Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae, publication list and statement of research interests in electronic form (pdf) to [email protected]. Letters of reference can be sent separately or jointly with the application.

The position is funded by European Union in the framework of FP7-SPACE EuroVenus consortium. Women and young parents are strongly encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin July 24, 2013, and the position will remain open until filled. The net income is Eur. 2,370 per month. Eur. 2,500 per year is provided for professional travel.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Thomas Widemann ([email protected]).

Permanent Job Research Scientist at NASA Goddard

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Current state: Approved
Department: Solar System Exploration Division
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: Maryland
Category: ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Keith Noll
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA Goddard
Application Due Date: Friday, June 28 2013
Web Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/344238800

NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. Permanent position. The Science and Exploration Directorate, Solar System Exploration Division (SSED), Planetary Systems Laboratory, is seeking a research scientist to provide expertise in spectroscopic study of small solar system bodies and planetary atmospheres. Studies include: 1) High resolution infrared spectroscopic characterization of comets, asteroids, and planetary atmospheres. 2) Development of LTE/non-LTE radiative transfer models capable of interpreting high resolution infrared spectra of small bodies, planets and exoplanets 3) Development of quantum-mechanical models of polyatomic molecules of astrobiological interest. 4) utilization of 3-D general circulation models of planetary atmospheres to understand transport of trace species detectable with high resolution infrared spectroscopy. Candidates must have research experience in planetary atmospheric science and surface composition; infrared spectroscopic observation, analysis, and data reduction; and radiative transfer and atmospheric modeling. U.S. citizenship required. To view the full vacancy announcement go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/344238800 Applications must be received by June 28, 2013. For information about the research program and the Planetary Systems Lab, contact Keith Noll, Chief, Lab Chief, at 301-614-5968, or by e-mail at [email protected]. NASA, GSFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.