Category: Observation

Postdoctoral Scientist

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Department: NAIC
City: Arecibo
State/Province: Puerto Rico
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Shawn Dixon
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Universities Space Research Association
Application Due Date: Monday, August 29 2016
Web Link: https://usra-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=405

Postdoctoral Scientist

Tracking Code

405-1100

Job Description

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including bio medicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers – on schedule and within budget.

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the Planetary Radar group at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Planetary Radar system. Experience in astronomical observations of Solar System objects, small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and/or numerical inverse modeling is desirable. Experience with radar observations and techniques, programming languages, and Linux systems is preferred but not required. The incumbent would be expected to participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent research program. The Observatory has significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment support are available. This position shall be for a two year appointment with the likely renewal of one year.

Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, a research plan [limit 3 pages], and contact information for three references. A PhD in physics or a related field is required. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

The Arecibo Observatory is managed for the NSF by a consortium comprising SRI International, USRA, and Universidad Metropolitana. It is home to the largest radio telescope in the world and conducts research programs in Radio Astronomy, Planetary Radar, and Atmospheric Sciences. All appointments are contingent upon the continuation of the cooperative agreement with the NSF for the operation of Arecibo Observatory.

The successful applicant will be a resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and will be an employee of USRA.  All interested candidates must apply directly on our website at https://usracareers.silkroad.com/.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Location

Arecibo, Puerto Rico, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

 

McGill Space Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships

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Department: McGill Space Institute
City: Montreal
State/Province: Quebec
Category: , , , ,
Country: Canada
Contact Person: Kelly Lepo
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: McGill University
Application Due Date: Tuesday, December 01 2015
Web Link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/6521

We invite applications for multiple Postdoctoral Fellowships to be held in the McGill Space Institute at McGill University (http://msi.mcgill.ca/).

The McGill Space Institute is a newly formed interdisciplinary center that brings together researchers engaged in space-related research at McGill. Currently there are 17 active faculty members affiliated with the center, from the Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Natural Resource Sciences departments at McGill. 

The successful applicant will have a strong research record in theoretical, observational, or experimental work in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, atmospheric science or astrobiology. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research plans (not to exceed 2 pages) which demonstrates how the proposed research program complements current MSI activities, and contact details of 3 referees.

This position offers a competitive salary and will be for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year, dependent on supervisor approval and the availability of funds. Preference is given to applicants within 3 years of the PhD.

Two Assistant Professors in Astronomy

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Department: Physics
City: Storrs
State/Province: Connecticut
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Jeanette Jamieson
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Connecticut
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2015
Web Link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/5978

The Department of Physics (http://www.phys.uconn.edu/) at the University of Connecticut invites applications for two full-time tenure-track faculty positions in astronomy at the rank of Assistant Professor. Researchers in all subfields of astronomy are encouraged to apply, especially those applicants whose research programs take advantage of new resources and facilities such as LSST, JWST, Gemini, and ALMA.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research and scholarship, obtain extramural funding, and produce high quality publications. S/he should be deeply committed to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including the development of innovative courses and mentoring of students in research, outreach and professional development. The successful candidate will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should possess a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, a demonstrated ability to initiate and lead an independent research program, and an established record of publications in major scientific journals. Preferred Qualifications: a leadership role in active, on-going research in observational astronomy, at least two years post-doctoral experience, strong teaching skills, and the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience.

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2016.  The successful candidate’s primary academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. To apply, go to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/5978 to complete your application. Submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae, as well as a teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.), research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of the academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.), and commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.). Applicants are also encouraged to submit sample writing including journal articles, book chapters or books. Please follow the instructions in Academic Jobs Online to direct at least three reference writers to submit supporting letters. 

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to [email protected].  Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.  The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EOE.

Faculty Positions in Earth and Planetary Sciences at SIO-UC San Diego

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Current state: Review
Department: Earth Section
City: La Jolla
State/Province: California
Category: , ,
Country: USA
Institution: Scripps Institute of Oceanography / UC San Diego
Application Due Date: Tuesday, September 15 2015
Web Link: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/planetary_news/2015/07/27/job-opportunity-faculty-positions-in-earth-and-planetary-sciences-at-sio-uc-san-diego/

Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California San Diego (http://scripps.ucsd.edu) invites faculty applications for the position listed below. We seek up to two motivated, broad-thinking scientist-educators to establish vigorous research programs and provide intellectual leadership in their field while complementing existing expertise at Scripps, other UCSD departments, and nearby institutions. SIO is a world renowned center of marine research with approximately 200 principal investigators leading research programs on all aspects of earth, ocean, biological and atmospheric sciences. We are committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body. The department is interested in candidates who have demonstrated commitment to excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Earth and Planetary Sciences: We seek outstanding candidates for up to two positions from a broad range of disciplines within the Earth and Planetary Sciences, including geochemistry, tectonic processes, theoretical and computational geophysics, seismology, and marine and terrestrial geodesy. SIO also has faculty openings in Observational Physical Oceanography, Marine Physiology/Cell Biology and Polar Sciences at: https://apol- recruit.ucsd.edu/apply.

The successful candidate(s) will be expected to teach classes, supervise research at both the graduate and undergraduate level and contribute to leadership on issues of equity and diversity. The position requires a PhD degree in a relevant field and a competitive record of publication, as well as evidence of the ability to conduct and fund an active research program consistent with the opportunity to have done so at this career level. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the highest standards of scholarship and professional activity, or for junior scholars to have the potential thereof. Our strong preference is for hiring at the level of Assistant Professor, but appointments at all ranks (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, including Acting titles) may also be considered. Salary will depend on the experience of the successful applicant and will be based on the UCSD pay scales.

Information about research and teaching at Scripps can be found at the Earth Section Annual Report (https://scripps.ucsd.edu/research/research-sections) and the SIO Annual Report (https://scripps.ucsd.edu/annual-reports).

To apply by September 15, 2015 deadline, go to:
Assistant Professor at: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/apply/JPF00843
Associate/Full Professor at: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/apply/JPF00852
Current Assistant level candidates with a strong record of research and teaching are encouraged to submit materials through both links.

The University of California San Diego 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 applicants with interest in spousal/partner employment, please also see http://academicaffairs.ucsd.edu/aps/partneropp/index.html for the UCSD Partner Opportunities Program. 

Postdoctoral Research in Core/Ocean Geomagnetism

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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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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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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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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

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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)

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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/