August 2016

Application Deadline: September 9, 2016

The Simons Collaboration on the Origins of Life”:https://www.simonsfoundation.org/life-sciences/simons-collaboration-on-the-origins-of-life/ seeks to engage the ideas and creativity of researchers around the world by providing an array of opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to interact with colleagues from different disciplines and programs, both online and in person, including webinars, workshops and annual symposia. As fellows are expected to participate fully in all SCOL events, these opportunities are designed to not only strengthen the collaboration but also provide the most fruitful mechanism for bringing a growing origins-of-life community together. Applications from all origins-related disciplines are encouraged.

Eligibility
Candidates should have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degree within five years of the fellowship’s start date. Applications may be submitted from scientists in domestic and foreign nonprofit organizations; public and private institutions, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories and units of state and local government; and eligible agencies of the federal government. There are no citizenship or country requirements. Postdocs in currently funded SCOL Investigator labs are ineligible to apply.

Funding
Appointments last for three years, contingent upon continued research on questions relevant to origins of life as assessed by annual progress reports. The annual stipend will be $55,000 USD.

Instructions for Submission
The application process has two phases. In the first phase, applicants submit a first-stage proposal via proposalCENTRAL. The submission deadline for first-stage proposals is Friday, September 9, 2016, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. First-stage finalists will be notified by Friday, October 28, 2016, and must submit a second-stage proposal by Thursday, December 1, 2016.

More information about the application process is available at https://www.simonsfoundation.org

Click here for more information.

Application Deadline: September 25, 2016

A 2-year post-doctoral position in cometary science is opened at the Observatory of Paris (LESIA, CNRS, Meudon), beginning in fall 2016.

The successful applicant will analyze infrared spectra of the atmosphere of comet 67P/Churyomov-Gerasimenko obtained with the high-spectral resolution channel of the VIRTIS/Rosetta instrument (Visible Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer) built at the Observatory of Paris. The project will focus on the study of the distributions of H₂O and CO₂ gases and their variations to understand the processes that control cometary activity. Other topics of interest could be considered.

A PhD in astrophysics is required. The following skills will be considered in the evaluation process of the applicants:

- working knowledge in planetary science and comets

- expertise in reduction of infrared spectroscopic observations

- knowledge in radiative transfer

- previous experience in space missions, in particular Rosetta, is an asset.

Applicants should submit a CV with a publications list, a short review of previous works and statement of research interest. They should arrange for two reference letters. Applications should be sent via email to dominique.bockelee@obspm.fr. The closing date is September 25, 2016. Late applications can be considered, until the position is filled.

Click here for more information.