September 2016
Application Deadline: October 1, 2016
The Astrobiology Early Career Collaboration Awards offer research-related travel support for undergraduate, graduate students, postdocs, and junior scientists. Applicants are encouraged to use these resources to circulate among two or more laboratories supported by the NASA Astrobiology Program (Exobiology and Evolutionary Biology, the NAI, Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research, MatiSSE, PICASSO and the Habitable Worlds), however any travel that is critical for the applicant’s research will be considered. Travelers must be formally affiliated with a U.S. institution. Requests are limited to $5,000.
To be considered for an Astrobiology Early Career Collaboration Award, please submit the following material to Melissa Kirven-Brooks at Melissa.Kirven-Brooks@nasa.gov:
- the team(s) and researchers you plan to visit:
- the approximate dates of travel:
- a brief description of the research you plan to conduct at the hosting laboratory (include, for example, any technique you expect to learn, or equipment you will need to use) and how the collaboration is relevant to your research:
- a budget describing what funds are required, and:
- letters of recommendation from your faculty advisor and from the researcher(s) you plan to visit
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Application Deadline: October 5, 2016
The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office at the NASA Johnson Space Center is seeking a specialist in the field of geomicrobiology or astrobiology. Qualified candidates who applied previously are encouraged to re-apply. The successful candidate will serve NASA as curator for biological components in astromaterials. Specifically, NASA seeks an individual with current expertise in at least one of the following areas: (1) biological cleanliness and quantitative biological contaminant characterization; (2) chemical, mineralogical, or petrological consequences of microbial interaction with astromaterials, astromaterials simulants, and terrestrial analogs of astromaterials; (3) sample collection and handling (including transport, containment, preservation, and curation) of geological materials that contain microbial matter. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. and at least 2 years of relevant post-graduate experience, and a demonstrated record of contributions to the field.
The candidate shall develop an externally funded research program in the area of geomicrobiology and/or astrobiology. Additional duties include development and implementation of curation plans for astromaterials returned from future missions with possible extraterrestrial biological components; conducting advanced curation research to prevent biological contamination of NASA’s past, present, and future astromaterials collections. Furthermore, he or she will be expected to develop methods of monitoring for biological contamination within curation facilities and in NASA’s astromaterials collections. This individual will also provide expertise in the area of contamination knowledge as it relates to biological cleanliness of NASA spacecraft at all stages of a mission. The position is posted at USAJobs at http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/450322000.
Direct questions to Dr. Cynthia Evans at cindy.evans-1@nasa.gov.
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Nomination Deadline: October 7, 2016
The Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate issues an open call for nominations, including self-nominations, to serve on the Executive Committee of NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group, or COPAG (“http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/“mailto:http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/). In the coming months, NASA anticipates making at least two new appointments to the COPAG Executive Committee to replace current members who will be rotating off the committee. Appointments will be for a period of three years for each selected candidate.
The current NASA Cosmic Origins (COR) mission portfolio includes: Hubble, Spitzer, SOFIA, Herschel, and a variety of missions with rich archival data holdings. In about two years, the James Webb Space Telescope will be added to this portfolio. COR also has strong thematic interest in the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission, currently in development.
The COPAG is an open, interdisciplinary forum that provides a conduit for community input into NASA’s COR Program and for conducting analyses in support of science objectives and their implications for planning of Program activities. All interested members of the community are invited to participate in the COPAG. The COPAG is led by an Executive Committee (EC), whose membership is chosen to reflect the range of scientific disciplines and interests represented in COR. The current EC Chair serves on the Astrophysics Subcommittee. Together, the COPAG EC and the Chair are responsible for capturing and organizing community input, overseeing COPAG analyses, reporting COPAG findings and inputs to the Astrophysics Subcommittee, and keeping the scientific community apprised of ongoing activities and opportunities within NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program. Detailed information about the structure and function of the COPAG can be found on the web at http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag.
Nominations, including self-nominations, for the COPAG Executive Committee should be submitted via E-mail to mario.perez@nasa.gov. Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page curriculum vitae summarizing the nominee’s relevant background and current COPAG-related interests, both bound in a single PDF file. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise and qualifications for service on the COPAG Executive Committee. The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 7, 2016, with announcement of selections anticipated by mid November 2016.
Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who reside at a U.S. Institution for the period of the service. There is no restriction on citizenship. For fall 2016, nominations from individuals at academic institutions – university, college, or non-NASA research laboratory – are strongly encouraged.
Point of Contact:
Mario R. Perez
Program Scientist, Cosmic Origins
NASA Headquarters
mario.perez@nasa.gov
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Application Deadline: October 10, 2016
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona is seeking outstanding candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level in the area of astrobiology for appointment in the fall of 2016. While recruiting excellence will be their top priority, they are especially interested in experimental and computational biologists addressing fundamental questions related to the origin of life and/or the limits of life/extremophiles.
This search is part of an on-going significant expansion within the department and in coordination with an inter-departmental multi-year cluster-hiring plan. The successful candidate will be expected to bring an existing, competitive research program to the department to complement the existing strengths in the areas of Molecular, Cellular and Systems Biology www.mcb.arizona.edu/, Astronomy www.as.arizona.edu/, Planetary Sciences www.lpl.arizona.edu/, and Geosciences www.geo.arizona.edu/ and to contribute to the teaching and service missions of the University of Arizona.
To apply, please submit an online application for job posting F20433 at uacareers.com/, including curriculum vitae, statement of research interests/future directions, statement of teaching philosophy, and a cover letter describing how your research relates to the focus of this search. Please also provide contact information for a minimum of three professional references in the online application. The University of Arizona system will solicit letters of recommendation using the information provided. Referees will receive an email request from UACareers@email.arizona.edu with instructions. Review of applications will begin on 10/10/16 and continue until the position is filled.
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Application Deadline: October 26, 2016
The position will be initially filled at the associate professor level (W2) but can be converted to a full professorship (W3) upon successful demonstration of excellence in research and teaching.
The Bayerisches Geoinstitut is seeking an outstanding scientist with broad experience in the use of experimental methods to investigate aspects of planetary formation, evolution and tectonic processes. Internationally-renowned candidates are sought from the fields of experimental petrology, geochemistry and geophysics whose research interests embrace the study of the origin, composition, structure and dynamics of planets and, in particular, planetary interiors. This could include the use of observational and analytical approaches in the investigation of planets or planetary materials or the use of experimental approaches to facilitate the analysis of meteorite/planetary samples.
The successful candidate will exploit national and international funding opportunities and establish an internationally visible dynamic research group that includes early career scientists. He/she will also participate in teaching, particularly at the Master’s and Ph.D. level.
Requirements for this position (in accordance with Article 7 and Article 10 para 3 BayHSchPG) are a university degree, a doctoral degree, proven excellence in teaching and a post-doctoral qualification to teach at a professorial level (Habilitation). Alternatively evidence of equivalent scholarly achievement, for example, as a junior professor or in a non-university environment will also be considered. The ability to teach in English is expected. Only applicants who are 51 years of age or younger can be hired as civil servants (Article 10 para 3 BayHSchPG).
The University of Bayreuth seeks to increase the proportion of women involved in research and teaching (in accordance with Article 4 para 1 sentence 1 BayHSchG) and therefore particularly welcomes female applicants. All qualifications being equal, severely disabled applicants will be given priority. The University of Bayreuth strives to further increase the diversity of its academic staff. For this reason, scholars who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply, as are applicants with children. The University of Bayreuth has been certified as a “family-friendly university” and offers “dual career support” for career-oriented partners of highly qualified employees. In addition, an audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) returned a favorable review for the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to internationalization.
Please send your cover letter and supporting documents (CV outlining your education and academic career, a list of publications, a list of courses taught, your certificates, and a description of your research) to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences by 26.10.2016. Application documents cannot be returned to the applicant, and if unsuccessful, the files will be permanently disposed of in accordance with Data Protection Law. Please also submit an identical copy of your application as a single PDF file (up to 30 MB) to dekanat.bcg@uni-bayreuth.de.
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Application Deadline: November 1, 2016
The NASA Postdoctoral Program will be accepting applications to the program on November 1. The program provides opportunities for Ph.D. scientists and engineers to perform research on problems largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research interests of the NASA Astrobiology Program. For more information see https://nai.nasa.gov/funding/postdoctoral-fellowship-program/
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Application Deadline: November 3, 2016
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released a solicitation, titled NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) – Fall 2017, on September 8, 2016. The solicitation is available by visiting the URL: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={A3488581-2E70-6AA1-76F0-E9A5A770A975}&path=open
NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) seeks to sponsor U.S. citizen and permanent resident graduate student researchers who show significant potential to contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative new space technologies for our Nation’s science, exploration, and economic future. This call for graduate student fellowship applications solicits applications from individuals pursuing or planning to pursue master’s (e.g., M.S.) or doctoral (e.g., Ph.D.) degrees in relevant space technology disciplines at accredited U.S. universities.
Selected applicants will perform research at their respective campuses and at NASA Centers. In addition to his or her faculty advisor, each Fellow will be matched with a technically relevant and community-engaged researcher who will serve as the student’s research collaborator.
This solicitation has two phases:
- Phase A is the application submission by the student. All Phase A applications must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES and are due by 6 PM ET on November 3, 2016. Detailed submission instructions for applicants are provided under “Other Documents” on the NSPIRES webpage associated with the NSTRF17 solicitation. Potential student applicants are urged to access the NSPIRES electronic proposal system well in advance of the proposal due date to register with NSPIRES, familiarize themselves with its structure, and to enter the requested information.
- Phase B is the application submission by the university where the selected student will be enrolled for the fall 2017 term as a full-time graduate student (as specified in the NSTRF17 solicitation).
Awards are planned to coincide with the start of the 2017 academic year and are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Awards resulting from this competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to accredited U.S. universities. This solicitation covers only new fellowship applications; renewal applications are handled separately.
Comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive, Claudia Meyer (hq-nstrf-call@mail.nasa.gov). Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of individuals/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.
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Application Deadline: November 30, 2016
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. Conduct research on molecular and isotopic fossils (biomarkers) preserved in ancient sedimentary rocks. Collaborate closely with MIT faculty, research staff, postdoctoral scholars and external collaborators. Contribute to the work of the NASA Astrobiology Institute Team at MIT in studies of the Foundations of Complex Life. Will be expected to contribute to the maintenance of a safe and supportive laboratory environment and to publish and present results at national and international venues.
Required: PhD in organic geochemistry, biogeochemistry or a related field and experience in maintaining and operating state-of-the-art instrumentation for the analysis of contemporary and fossil lipids preserved in sediments and sedimentary rocks. Experience in sample evaluation techniques (e.g. Rock-Eval), sample preparation and GCMS, LCMS and GC-IRMS techniques is absolutely essential. Applicants must also provide evidence of commitment to geoscientific enquiry at the highest level.
The position is offered for one year with the possibility of extension based on availability of funds.
Applications are being accepted at: http://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/jobDetails.do?functionName=getJobDetail&jobPostId=8431&localeCode=en-us
Contact: Please contact the PI for this project, Professor Roger Summons (“rsummons@mit.edu“mailto:rsummons@mit.edu) for further information. MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin
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Application Deadline: December 1, 2016
The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), within the College of Science, Purdue University, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Planetary Materials. The Planetary Science Group within EAPS has an international reputation, extensive involvement in spacecraft missions, and newly developed undergraduate and graduate programs. We seek to grow and are looking for someone who conducts laboratory analysis of planetary materials or their terrestrial analogues. Candidates must have completed their PhD in an appropriate field. The appointee is expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded, internationally recognized research program and to teach and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Applications should be submitted electronically at https://hiring.science.purdue.edu. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research, a teaching statement, and contact information of three individuals who can provide letters of reference. Questions related to this position should be addressed to Dr. Chris Andronicos (“candroni@purdue.edu“mailto:candroni@purdue.edu), Chair of the Search Committee. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2016, and continue until the position is filled.
Full ad: http://www.eaps.purdue.edu/about/employment.html
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Application Deadline: December 1, 2016
The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology invites qualified candidates to apply for a tenure track position at the assistant professor level beginning July 2017 or thereafter. Applicants with research interests in Planetary Science are encouraged to apply. We seek an outstanding scientist with interest in and potential for innovation and leadership in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and research. The search is in the broad area of Planetary Science encompassing our Solar System as well as exoplanets, including theory, observation, and instrumentation. However, we are especially interested in individuals whose research complements existing MIT expertise.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field by the start of employment and must demonstrate ability to excel in teaching. A complete application must include curriculum vitae, two-page description of research and teaching plans and three letters of recommendations.
Applications are being accepted at Academic Jobs Online:
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/7724
To receive full consideration, complete applications must be received by: December 1, 2016.
Search Contact:
Ms. Karen Fosher
kfosher@mit.edu
MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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Application Deadline: December 1, 2016
The Astrobiology Chair is a distinguished senior research position in residence at the Library of Congress for a period of up to twelve months. Using research facilities and services at the Library of Congress, the scholar engages in research at the intersection of the science of astrobiology and its humanistic and social implications. The appointment ensures the subject of astrobiology’s role in culture and society receives considered treatment each year in Washington, D.C.
The Chair is open to scholars and leading thinkers in the fields of astrobiology, astronomy, planetary science, the history of science, philosophy, religion, sociology, anthropology, ethics, literature, the arts, paleontology, Earth and atmospheric sciences, geological sciences or other fields. The Chair may undertake research on a wide range of issues related to how life begins and evolves, or examine the social, religious, ethical, legal, and cultural concerns that arise from researching the origins, evolution, and nature of life in the universe.
Information about the Chair may be found on our website: http://www.loc.gov/loc/kluge/fellowships/NASA-astrobiology.html. A stipend during the term of appointment supports the scholar.
APPLYONLINE: Applications can now be submitted online through the Kluge Center’s new online application system. Save and return to your application, manage letters of reference, and receive confirmation of submission all through our online portal. Visit https://klugefellowships.fluidreview.com/ to get started.
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The John W. Kluge Center was established at the Library of Congress in 2000 to foster a mutually enriching relationship between the world of ideas and the world of action, between scholars and political leaders. The Center attracts outstanding scholarly figures to Washington, D.C., facilitates their access to the Library’s remarkable collections, and helps them engage in conversation with policymakers and the public. Learn more at: http://www.loc.gov/kluge
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Full Proposal Deadline: Proposals Accepted Anytime
The Solar and Planetary Research Grants (SPG) Program is a flexible, coordinated, and inclusive funding opportunity for disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary research in the solar and planetary astronomical sciences. The SPG Program provides individual investigator and collaborative research grants for observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival data studies in the science of our solar system and extrasolar planetary systems. Proposals for projects and tools that enable and enhance research in those areas may also be submitted. Proposals that are solely or predominantly for the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of space-based data from NASA-supported missions will be returned without review.
Proposals addressing the astronomy and astrophysics of stars, our galaxy, external galaxies, and cosmology will be handled under a companion NSF solicitation, NSF 16-574, Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants (AAG), not under the SPG Program. Proposals that address planet formation within circumstellar disks are appropriate for this SPG Program; proposals that address star formation are better directed to the AAG Program and will not be considered by the SPG Program. Proposals submitted to one of these two programs, and deemed more appropriate for the other program, will be routed to the other program and considered during the next proposal submission season for that program. Potential proposers are cautioned that this could delay a proposal considered more appropriate to the AAG Program for up to a year.
Proposals to the SPG Program may span multiple disciplines and may utilize multiple techniques. Please see the NSF Grant Proposal Guide for allowable costs that may be requested, which include the acquisition of equipment and instrumentation necessary for the conduct of the proposed research.
Proposals to the SPG Program are evaluated by scientists with relevant experience. Proposers should ensure that both the Project Summary and Project Description provide the context necessary to categorize their work accurately within the appropriate field of study. Please contact one of the program officers listed in Section VIII if you have any questions about proposal preparation and submission.
Anticipated Type of Award: Continuing Grant or Standard Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: 25 awards per year, pending availability of funds
Anticipated Funding Amount: Estimated $10,000,000. in fiscal year 2017 for new and continuing awards, pending availability of funds.
More information is available at the NSF website.
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Abstract Submission Deadline for Science with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope V
October 01Early Registration Deadline for Comets: A New Vision After Rosetta/Philae
October 04Abstract Submission Deadline for 229th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
October 05Seminar: “TDE Workshop: Requirements for Origin of Life Field Investigations”
October 14Abstract Submission Deadline for 6th International Workshop on the Mars Atmosphere: Modelling and Observations
October 16Registration Deadline for International Astronomical Union Symposia: Living around Active Stars
October 18Registration Deadline for 2016 Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG 2016)