Category: Observation

Postdoctoral Research in Core/Ocean Geomagnetism

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Tuesday, June 16 2015
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Geomag

Postdoctoral Research in Core/Ocean Geomagnetism

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Associate position, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST).  The selected candidate would work in the Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of geomagnetism, with emphasis on one of the following sub-areas: (1) numerical modeling of electric currents and the associated magnetic fields generated by oceanic flow processes, and the integration of these elements into the global geomagnetic field modeling; (2) determination of core flow utilizing surface geomagnetic observations and geomagnetic data assimilation.  The appointee will be expected to work closely with the Core and Crustal Magnetics group at NASA/GSFC, but is also strongly encouraged to carry out independent research.  The position is for 1 year, and extension to the second year is available pending future funding and mutual agreement.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree (or expect to have the degree by the start of the appointment) in a related field of physics, geophysics, dynamical oceanography/meteorology, and/or applied mathematics.  Applicants are expected to have strong quantitative analysis and modeling skills – in addition to knowledge of geomagnetic fields, satellite or ground observatory data, geomagnetic field models and core dynamics.  Familiarity with UNIX OS, FORTRAN and parallel computing is a strong plus.

Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

Core/Ocean Geomagnetism
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD  20771, or
Via e-mail to [email protected]

Salary and benefits are highly competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Information regarding the Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory can be found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sed/index.cfm?fuseAction=home.main&navOrgCo… .  For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position is available beginning June 2015.

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.  All applications received by May 22, 2015, will receive full consideration.

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Planetary Science: Titan’s Atmosphere

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: School of Earth Sciences
City: Bristol
Category: , , , ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Nick Teanby
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bristol
Application Due Date: Monday, April 13 2015
Web Link: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details.html?nPostingID=3021&nPostingTargetID=10847

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Planetary Science: Titan’s Atmosphere

University of Bristol, UK, School of Earth Sciences

Closing date:    13-Apr-2015
Salary:        £31,342 – 39,685, depending on experience

Applications are invited for a three year Post-doctoral Research Assistant/Associate in Planetary Sciences, within the School of Earth Sciences, to study the atmosphere of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, using remote sensing data.

The successful applicant will study seasonal changes in Titan’s complex atmosphere based on data from the Cassini spacecraft’s Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS), which is sensitive to stratospheric composition and temperature. However, the project may also involve using data from Cassini’s other remote sensing instruments, or ground-based and space-based telescope data to allow more complete interpretations. Spectroscopic observations will be analysed using radiative transfer, inverse theory, and time series analysis techniques. These observational analyses will be used to investigate atmospheric changes over the course of the Cassini mission and constrain dynamical and chemical atmospheric models.

For further details and application procedure see:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details.html?nPostingID=3021&nPosting…

Post-Doc at the Observatório Nacional, Rio de Janeiro: Atmospheric structure of extrasolar planets

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: COAA
City: Rio de Janeiro
State/Province: RJ
Category: , , ,
Country: Brazil
Contact Person: Alvaro Alvarez-Candal
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Observatório Nacional - MCTI
Application Due Date: Sunday, February 01 2015

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position in the Planetary Sciences group at the Observatório Nacional (ON) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (http://www.on.br/coaa/cipla.html). Successful applicants will work on the joint project, funded under the Science without Borders program, between the ON and the University of Arizona (UA, USA) “The Atmospheric Structure of Extrasolar Planets” co-lead by Dr. Alvaro Alvarez-Candal (ON) and Prof. Caitlin Griffith (UA). The project centers on novel techniques to observe and study extrasolar atmospheres via spectroscopic observations and radiative transfer analyses. Candidates with knowledge of spectroscopy and observational astronomy, as well planetary atmospheres, are especially, although not exclusively, encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to participate on project-related work, although individual/independent research is not discouraged.

The successful applicant will develop his or her research at ON, which is located in the north part of the city of Rio de Janeiro. As one of the leading astronomical institutions in Brazil, ON’s research groups range from planetary sciences to cosmology and engage in many international projects, such as SDSS 4 or J-PAS. It has a welcoming environment where students, post-docs, and researchers interact.

Applicants should send a short CV, publication record, and short description of research interests to [email protected] as well as two reference letters to the same e-mail address. Full consideration will be given to applications sent by February 1st. 2015. The position is available immediately for one year with a possible renewal, subjected to performance review.

For more information please contact Dr. Alvaro Alvarez-Candal ([email protected]) and/or Prof. Caitlin Griffith ([email protected])

Jovian Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere Postdoctoral Researcher

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (GSFC); Dept. of Astronomy (UMD)
City: Greenbelt
State/Province: MD
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Tracy Huard
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 24 2015
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Juno

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Jupiter’s magnetic field and magnetosphere, using data from the Juno (New Frontier) mission.

The Juno spacecraft arrives at Jupiter in July 2016. Juno is the first spacecraft to explore Jupiter from a close-in, polar orbit, seeking to unlock secrets about its origin and the origin of the solar system. Juno will probe deep into Jupiter’s interior by mapping the giant planet’s magnetic and gravity fields, peering well below the clouds to determine atmospheric composition, with particular interest in water abundance. Juno will also conduct a study of the polar magnetosphere and auroral phenomena, with fields and particles instruments and both infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers among the payload. Juno’s Magnetic Field Investigation (MAG) employs two identical measurement platforms occupying a 4-meter magnetometer boom mounted at the outer end of one of Juno’s three solar arrays. Each MAG optical bench supports a high-accuracy vector fluxgate magnetometer and a pair of star camera sensors for precision inertial attitude reference. These data and the global coverage of Jupiter provided by the mission plan will result in a detailed model of the Jovian internal field and an unprecedented view of the dynamo.

The selectee will work on site at GSFC in the Solar System Exploration Division as a member of the Juno Magnetometer Investigation Team, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research. Experience with magnetometer instrumentation and data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.

The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be new postdocs or may be more senior. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

Juno Magnetometer
CRESST/UMCP
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC
Greenbelt, MD 20771,
or Via e-mail to [email protected]

Information regarding the Juno mission is found at http://missionjuno.swri.edu/ and http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/main/. Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres/. For information on CRESST and the UMCP’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Post Doctoral Scientist- NEO Follow Up – LCOGT

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Goleta
State/Province: CA
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maida Smith
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Las Cumbres Observatory/UCSB
Application Due Date: Monday, December 01 2014
Web Link: http://lcogt.net/

The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Inc. (LCOGT) and University of California, Santa Barbara seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on the follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) and the creation of citizen science program.  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development, although candidate from other astrophysical fields with strong software background are also encouraged.

 

This position is funded by a grant from NASA to:

1) develop and exploit the LCOGT global network of robotic telescopes for NEO follow-up;

2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and

3) assist in the creation of a web-based citizen science environment for Solar System investigations by the general public.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall mission of the observatory – the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy.

 

LCOGT currently operates ten 1 meter and two 2 meter robotic telescopes, which will be used in this program.  The 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs.  The 1 meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

 

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected].  Electronic PDF submissions are preferred. Applications complete by December 1, 2014 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.  The term of this position is 3 years.  The Department of Physics and LCOGT are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research. LCOGT and UCSB are equal opportunity employers.

 

This position has the option to be held as an employee of UCSB and thus receive the UCSB benefit package for Postdoctoral Scholars or held as a direct employee of LCOGT with similar benefits, but still affiliated to UCSB. For further information on UCSB benefits, go to  http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/postdoctoral-scholars and reference Title Code 3252.

 

The desired start date is 1 January, 2015.

Kavli Institute Fellowship in Exoplanets (Fixed term)

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Kavli Institute
City: Cambridge
State/Province: Cambridgeshire
Category: , ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Didier Queloz
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cambridge University
Application Due Date: Monday, December 08 2014
Web Link: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5174/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

In a new collaborative initiative within Cambridge University, the three departments conducting research activities related to ‘Exoplanets and life in the Universe’, the Cavendish Laboratory, Institute of Astronomy (IoA) and Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), together with the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, are offering a senior Fellowship in Exoplanets.

The Kavli Institute Fellowship in Exoplanets will be for five years and is expected to become available from October 2015. Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field and will normally be expected to have several years of postdoctoral experience by the start date of the fellowship. A proven track record of independent research relevant to the research themes conducted on exoplanets in Cambridge is expected. The fellowship is targeted at researchers (observers, instrumentalists or theorists) who have the potential to become leaders in their fields. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct a programme of independent scientific research, prepare proposals to secure research resources (for example, experiment development, access to high performance computing, large telescopes, or other international facilities), write scientific articles for publication in peer reviewed journals and contribute to the supervision of graduate students, outreach and other teaching duties. Applicants must have excellent communication and computing skills.

Salary will be on the same scale as University Lecturers, within the range £38,511 – £48,743 pa. depending on experience plus superannuation benefit. A research allowance of £8,000 pa will be provided.

The post holder will have the choice to be located at any of the three departments carrying out exoplanet research as listed above (located in West Cambridge) but will be encouraged to interact with researchers in all three departments. Research programmes that complement the work undertaken in more than one department are particularly welcomed (see http://exoplanets.mrao.cam.ac.uk for current activities).

Further information on Cambridge exoplanet research and the Fellowship can be obtained from the further particulars or from Professor Didier Queloz email dq212(at)cam.ac.uk.

Further benefits of University employment are outlined at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/staff/benefits/index.html

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), cover letter, publications list and research statement in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date of Monday, 8th December 2014. If you have any queries about your application, please email kavlifel(at)ast.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LG04473 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The full advert can be accessed here: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5174/

Research Associate in Experimental Astrophysics on Exoplanets (Fixed Term)

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Astrophysics Group
City: Cambridge
State/Province: Cambridgeshire
Category: ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Karen Scrivener
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cambridge University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 31 2014
Web Link: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5175/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Exoplanet Research Team of Professor Queloz.The team is involved in observation programmes and active in the development of instrumentation for the detection and characterisation of planets. http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/research/exoplanets/

The post holder will be expected to conduct independent research programmes and to actively participate in the exploitation of the NGTS experiment and the activity of the consortium. The candidate must be familiar with the exoplanet field of research and data analysis in general. Experience with astronomical equipment, CCD detectors and precise photometry is desirable.

Other exoplanet research programmes are additionally being carried out at the Institute of Astronomy and in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Opportunities of collaboration and exchanges with researchers of other departments are encouraged. A Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre has been recently established to stimulate and promote collaboration between all these teams working on various aspects of exoplanet research.

Applicants should have a PhD in Experimental Astronomy, Physics or another relevant scientific discipline. They should have a proven track record in astronomy research, and scientific exploitation of data.

On appointment, the post-holder will be based at the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics (J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE). Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Further information may be obtained from Mrs Karen Scrivener, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, tel: (01223) 337294, or by email: [email protected].

Please quote reference KA04475 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Early Mars Postdoc at University of Chicago

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Geophysical Sciences
City: Chicago
State/Province: Illinois
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Edwin Kite
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Chicago
Application Due Date: Saturday, December 20 2014
Web Link: http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/proposals/

Department of the Geophysical Sciences at The University of Chicago
seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher to support investigations of
the early climate of Mars through analysis of Mars topography and
forward modeling of topographic change. The successful candidate will
work with Assistant Professor Edwin Kite to assemble, analyze, and
model crater-modification and crater-infilling datasets. Candidates
should have a background in Planetary Science, Earth Science, or
Astrophysics, and have experience working with large datasets.
Experience with Mars is helpful but is not required. Start date is
flexible. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to
develop a program of independent research aligned with the objectives
of the group as exemplified by the projects listed at:
 
http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~kite/proposals/
 
as well as to mentor undergraduate students.
 
The University of Chicago hosts a vibrant planets and exoplanets
research program, with particular emphasis on potentially habitable
planets:
 
http://geosci.uchicago.edu/planetary-science-planetary-atmospheres-and-e…
 
Application materials should be received by December 20 for full
consideration. Applicants should send a CV, a brief description of
research interests and experience, and the names of three referees as
a single PDF file to [email protected]. Please direct informal
inquiries about this post to Edwin Kite ([email protected]).

Post Doctoral Scientist- NEO Follow Up – LCOGT

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
City: Goleta
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Maida Smith
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Las Cumbres Observatory/UCSB
Application Due Date: Sunday, August 31 2014

The Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Inc. (LCOGT) and University of California, Santa Barbara seek a postdoctoral scientist to work on follow up of Near Earth Objects (NEOs).  The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in observations of Solar System objects and experience with software development.  This position is funded by a grant from NASA to 1) develop and exploit the global telescope network of LCOGT for NEO follow-up; 2) lead photometric and spectroscopic characterization of NEOs; and 3) assist in the creation of a web-based environment for Solar System investigations by citizen scientists. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall mission of the observatory – the creation of a worldwide network of robotic telescopes specializing in time domain astronomy. The postdoc has the option to be affiliated with UCSB and have offices at both UCSB and LCOGT and have access to the observing resources of both institutions. They can also benefit from proximity to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.  The desired start date for this position is October 1st, 2014.

 

LCOGT is a privately funded global robotic observatory network, which operates ten 1 meter and two 2 meter robotic telescopes.  The 2 meter Faulkes Telescopes in Haleakala, Hawaii, and Siding Spring, Australia feature imagers and robotic FLOYDS low-resolution spectrographs.  The 1 meter telescopes have imagers and are located at McDonald Observatory in Texas, CTIO in Chile, Siding Spring in Australia, and SAAO in South Africa.

 

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and research statement, and should arrange to have three letters of reference sent to [email protected].  Electronic PDF submissions are preferred. Applications complete by August 31, 2014 will receive full consideration. A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.  The term of this position is 3 years.  The Department of Physics and LCOGT are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research.  LCOGT and UCSB are equal opportunity employers.

 

This position has the option to be held as an employee of UCSB and thus receive the UCSB benefit package for Postdoctoral Scholars or held as a direct employee of LCOGT with similar benefits.  For further information on UCSB benefits, go to:  http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/postdoctoral-scholars and reference Title Code 3252.

 

Near-Earth Object Observer

Posted on
Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Astronomy
City: Chicago
State/Province: IL
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Human Resources
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Adler Planetarium
Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 01 2014

The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) seeks an Observer to conduct follow-up imaging and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. This position will be based in Chicago at the Adler. Applicants for this position must have their Bachelors degree in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field preferably with experience in ground-based optical observing. The successful applicant will be the primary observer for frequent nighttime sessions in imaging and reflectance spectroscopy via remote observing, and will conduct a limited amount of data reduction and analysis. In addition they will spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding, starting no later than October 1, 2014. Applications will be accepted until position filled.

 

To apply, send resume to:

Human Resources

[email protected]

 

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

REQ: AST150