The Carnegie Institution for Science invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at the Earth and Planets Laboratory in Washington D.C. Carnegie Science emphasizes interdisciplinary observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, geodynamics, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science and volcanology. Carnegie scientists conduct research in these and related fields in the general quest for improved understanding of the origin and evolution of Earth and planets, including the fundamental physics and chemistry of materials. The successful applicant’s primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas, but collaboration with other research areas on campus is encouraged.

The Carnegie Institution strives to enable a scientifically excellent, equitable, and inclusive community, and therefore aims for diverse groups of people to collaborate and thrive at Carnegie. Applicants may use a cover letter to describe how they have contributed to such community characteristics in previous positions, and how those contributions have been informed by their life experiences. We encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

The Earth and Planets Laboratory supports world-class laboratory facilities in analytical geochemistry and cosmochemistry, high-pressure research, materials spectroscopy and astrobiology. Carnegie scientists have access to Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile for astronomical observations. Carnegie Science also supports theoretical astrophysical, data analytic, geodynamic and mineral physics investigations by providing access to state-of-the-art computational facilities. Fellows may also wish to participate in interdisciplinary projects such as Carnegie Worlds (https://planets.carnegiescience.edu), a cross-department initiative that integrates exoplanet research with geoscience. Funding is available for travel to scientific conferences and observation sites, as well as publications. At EPL, we value a culture of mentoring and offer professional development opportunities for all post-doctoral scientists (https://epl.carnegiescience.edu/postdoctoral/workshops).

Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year. The Fellowship is initially for one year but can be renewed for up to a total of 3 years for astronomy applicants and 2 years for other fields. The positions allow start dates between July 1 and December 31, 2022. More detailed information about the research currently being pursued, and the facilities available at EPL can be viewed at http://epl.carnegiescience.edu/about.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be outstanding research accomplishments, promise of future achievement, originality and independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at Carnegie’s Earth and Planets Laboratory. Carnegie Fellowship applications must include: 1) a curriculum vitae, 2) list of publications; 3) a brief description of previous research (3 pages max); 4) a research proposal of no more than 4 pages including references, and 5) a cover letter.  The deadline for application materials, along with the names of three references familiar with the applicant’s work who will upload letters of support, is November 1, 2021. Reference letters are due by November 8, 2021.

Applicants for the Carnegie Fellowship can also choose to be considered for the Carnegie Origins Fellowships with a single application (see separate ad). Address any questions you have to [email protected].

It might be necessary for a successful applicant to obtain a J-1 visa in order to enter the U.S. and work at Carnegie Science. If a visa is required, we will work with you and provide a DS2019 form, which will be required by your country’s nearest American Embassy or Consulate when submitting a visa application.

Related URLs:

Carnegie EPL 
Las Campanas Observatory 
Carnegie Institution for Science

Application Link