Category: Observation

Mars Magnetic Fields and Upper Atmosphere Postdoctoral Researchers

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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: Friday, May 23 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/

Applications are now being accepted for two Postdoctoral Research Associates, 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 Mars magnetic fields and upper atmosphere investigations using data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission.

The MAVEN spacecraft arrives at Mars in September 2014.  MAVEN will study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, atmospheric interaction with the Sun and solar wind, and the loss of atmosphere to space. Both candidates will work on site at GSFC with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division. One candidate will work directly with the Magnetometer Investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific studies, leading to publication of results in scientific journals. Prior experience with magnetometer data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired.  Another candidate will work closely with the MAVEN Project Scientist on analysis of the interaction between the Mars upper atmosphere/ionosphere and solar inputs, taking full advantage of data returned by the MAVEN spacecraft’s science payload.

The MAVEN primary mission will last one Earth year from the start of the science mapping phase in November, with an expectation that there may be an extended mission.  The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years.  Applicants may be at first year post-doc level or may be more senior.

Candidates for either position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research related to the Maven science objectives or the types of instruments included in the MAVEN science payload.  IDL skills and experience in acquisition and analysis of data from space flight instruments are highly desirable.

Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to:

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

Information regarding the MAVEN mission is found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven and http://www.nasa.gov/maven .  Information on the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory is found at http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/magnetospheres .  For information on CRESST and the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy, please contact Tracy Huard ([email protected]).  The position is available immediately.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by May 23, 2014 will receive full consideration.

Jovian Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere Post-doc Researchers

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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: Friday, September 26 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/#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.  Minority candidates are encouraged to apply. 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 position will remain open until filled.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer.  All applications received by September 26, 2014 will receive full consideration.

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
Category: , , ,
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 of Physics and Astronomy

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Physics
City: Sherman
State/Province: TX
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: David Baker
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Austin College
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.austincollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Physics-Astronomy-Ad-HR-TT-FA14-FINAL-FINAL.pdf

Austin College’s Department of Physics invites applications for a full-time tenure track position in Physics and Astronomy beginning Fall 2014. We seek an enthusiastic individual to help build an exciting program in Astronomy using Austin College’s new Adams Observatory. The successful candidate will have strong commitments to innovative teaching in a liberal arts environment and an active research program involving undergraduates. Teaching responsibilities will include Physics and Astronomy courses at all undergraduate levels, and contributions to college-wide programs. (For additional information see www.austincollege.edu/hr)

A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or closely related field is required; post-doctoral experience and/or previous teaching experience is highly desirable. Candidates should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, three letters of reference, a 1-page statement of teaching philosophy and a 2-page description of research interests. Submit materials on-line at http://www.austincollege.edu/67500/astronomy/ . References can be submitted directly at http://www.austincollege.edu/67377/reference/. Review of applications begins November 15, 2013 and continues until position is filled. Austin College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech/JPL

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Current state: Approved and Notify DPS Secretary
Department: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Paul Hayne
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: California Institute of Technology
Application Due Date: Monday, December 02 2013
Web Link: http://kiss.caltech.edu/fellowships/

Caltech’s Keck Institute for Space Studies is accepting applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of planetary science in connection with an ongoing study entitled “New Approaches to Lunar Ice Detection and Mapping” (link). The objective of the project will be to collect and compare available spacecraft and telescope remote sensing data with the goal of forming a coherent picture of the distribution and nature of lunar ice deposits to help guide future exploration activities. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Physics, Astronomy or related fields, and have experience working with large multidimensional datasets. The successful applicant will be based at either Caltech campus or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

For more information about the KISS postdoctoral program, and to apply, see: http://kiss.caltech.edu/fellowships/

To request information on the lunar ice study and postdoctoral
opportunity, contact: Paul Hayne ([email protected])

Postdoc on the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: LASP
City: Boulder
State/Province: CO
Category: , , , ,
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].

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
Category: , , , ,
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]).

Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Mapping and Impact Studies

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Current state: Approved
City: Houston
State/Province: Texas
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Dr. Paul Shenk
Institution: Lunar and Planetary Institute
Application Due Date: Thursday, August 01 2013
Web Link: http://www.lpi.usra.edu

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) invites applications
for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary science in Houston, Texas.

The candidate will work with Dr. Paul Schenk, investigating the impact
crater shapes and distributions on icy satellites, including Enceladus,
using the entire Cassini image library, and supplementary stereo and
shape-from-shading techniques (although experience in these tools is
not required). The candidate will also be expected to develop their
own research projects using this data.

Candidate must have a recent Ph.D. in geology or geophysics and have
a strong background in remote sensing/image processing of spacecraft
data, and preferably experience in geophysical or mapping
investigations. The position is generally for two years, with a
possible extension to three years. Apply to the posting at:

https://usracareers.silkroad.com/

Include a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of
publications, a brief statement of research interests, and a list
of three references. Review of candidates begins August 1, 2013,
with a hiring decision, as soon as possible thereafter.
Information on current research and facilities at the LPI is found
on our website:

www.lpi.usra.edu