November 2016
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP), managed by USRA, provides young and more senior scientists the opportunity to work on 1 to 3 year assignments with NASA scientists and engineers at NASA centers and institutes to advance NASA’s missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics, engineering, human exploration and space operations, astrobiology, and science management. USRA is recruiting well-qualified reviewers for upcoming applications.
Reviewers may be asked to review up to 5 applications (each application is 15 pages, including figures and citations; double-spaced). Proposals deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. The reviewer evaluations are submitted online and those who are eligible, will receive an honorarium of $50 for each review submitted.
Reviewers should have the following minimum qualifications: three (3) years past PhD; 10 or more peer-reviewed publications; at least five (5) peer-reviewed publications as first author; work in a field relevant to NASA; and show national and international prominence through awards and invitations to speak at major scientific meetings.
If you are interested in being a reviewer, visit: https://npp.usra.edu/reviewer_connect/ and create an account. For additional questions email nppreview@usra.edu.
Click here for more information.
Application Review Begins November 1, 2016
The Cornell University Astronomy Department invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment to begin July 1, 2017. We will consider applications from observers, experimentalists and theorists working in any area of astronomy, but particular areas of interest are cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, extrasolar and solar system planetary science, and relativistic astrophysics, including gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics. Applicants should upload
their applications, including a CV, list of publications, statement of research interests, and statement on teaching plans and philosophy to:
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/7615
Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted to Academic Jobs Online.
Inquiries may be sent to Ira Wasserman (“ira@astro.cornell.edu“mailto:ira@astro.cornell.edu), Chair of the department.
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2016
The Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at The University of Tennessee seeks to fill a faculty position in mineralogy/petrology/geochemistry with emphasis in planetary geoscience at the rank of Assistant Professor. The position begins August 1, 2017. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a Research I University and the flagship campus of the UT system. Information about the department may be found at: http://eps.utk.edu
The Department focuses on geology and has an active emphasis on planetary research through its Planetary Geosciences Institute: http://web.utk.edu/~pgi
Requirements for the position are a Ph.D. in geology or a related field and demonstrated research experience in planetary/terrestrial
geoscience.
To apply, please email the following to jmoersch@utk.edu, with the subject line “Planetary faculty application”:
– C.V.
– cover letter describing research and teaching experience and plans
– names of four references with contact information.
Applications received by November 15, 2016 are ensured review, but earlier submission is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to J. Moersch.
Click here for more information.
Application Review Begins November 18, 2016
The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will serve as an Exploration Fellow. The mission of the postdoctoral Fellowship is to foster SESE’s interdisciplinary research program by attracting and supporting outstanding early-career scientists and engineers to pursue independent research in collaboration with SESE faculty. Research areas within SESE encompass theoretical and observational astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, earth and planetary science, instrumentation and systems engineering, and science education. Anticipated start date for the position is July 2017. The expected duration of the Fellowship is three years. Incoming Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $61,000 with health benefits, plus $9,000 per year in discretionary research funds. A relocation allowance will be provided.
Interested candidates should contact two current faculty members in SESE to discuss potential collaborative research topics and determine whether they would agree to serve as mentors. When a topic of mutual interest between the applicant and potential faculty mentors is identified, the applicant should submit a research proposal that includes: (1) a cover letter identifying the proposed research topic and the names of the two faculty mentors, (2) a current CV, (3) a research proposal not longer than five pages, and (4) two papers exemplifying the applicant’s research. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted separately. Preference will be given to proposals that include interdisciplinary research spanning multiple research areas within SESE.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. by the time of appointment, but received no earlier than 2012, in a field relevant to Earth and Space exploration, including (but not limited to) astrophysics, biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, physics, and planetary science. Applicants who received their Ph.D. prior to 2012 will not be considered. Desired Qualifications: (1) research proposal that demonstrates relevance, interdisciplinary merit, and/or potential impact of the proposed research activities to the overarching “big picture” research questions in the field and to the mission of SESE, (2) a record of prior achievement and experience demonstrating the potential to accomplish proposed research objectives, and (3) evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills. Application materials (and any questions) should be submitted by email to exppd@asu.edu, addressed to the Exploration Fellowship Committee. Applications will only be considered complete when all materials described above are received. Initial review of complete applications will begin on November 18, 2016; if not filled, application review will continue every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. A background check is required for employment.
More information about the Exploration Fellowship can be found at: https://sese.asu.edu/about/opportunities/sese-exploration-postdoctoral-fellows
Click here for more information.
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2016
Are we alone in the universe? This question is arguably one of the most profound questions of our time. If other forms of intelligent life do exist in our galaxy, would they also develop technology like radio that would betray their presence? Scientists have been searching for an answer ever since Frank Drake first explored radio signals from nearby stars in 1960. No signs of extraterrestrial intelligent life have yet been discovered, but investor Yuri Milner recently pledged $100 million over ten years to intensify the search for any technological neighbors. The potential scientific rewards drive astronomers and astrobiologists to continue this effort, but the broader impacts of this discovery on our civilization and individual lives are harder to predict.
The Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, in partnership with METI International and the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at ASU, invites undergraduate students to address this theme by responding to the question: What would be the most significant impact of establishing remote contact with extraterrestrial intelligent life? The purpose of the essay contest is to stimulate creative thinking that explores how the search for extraterrestrial intelligence will affect humanity’s future.
They invite essays from undergraduate students between the ages of 18 to 30. To be eligible, each applicant must be enrolled in a degree program at a qualified educational institution (2-year or 4-year college/university) for at least one term during the 2016 calendar year. Applicants should limit their essays to 1500 words or less. The deadline for essay submission is November 30, 2016 at 5:00 PM US Pacific time. Essays will be assessed based on scientific accuracy, originality, and writing style.
The author of the winning essay will receive a $500 prize and will be invited to present his or her ideas in an episode of the “BlueSciCon” seminar series as well as lead a discussion on SAGANet.org. The winning essay will also be considered for publication in a scientific journal or magazine with a commentary by an acclaimed author. Two honorable mention prizes of $200 each will also be awarded.
Essays will be judged by a panel of BMSIS research scientists as well as an external group of scientists and writers. Essay winners will be announced on February 2, 2017.
Submit your essay to: essaycontest@bmsis.org
For more information on the contest, visit: https://www.bmsis.org/essaycontest/
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2016
The Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships. The Geophysical Laboratory emphasizes interdisciplinary experimental and theoretical research in fields ranging from geoscience, microbiology, chemistry, to physics. The Laboratory supports world-class facilities in high-pressure research; organic, stable isotope and biogeochemistry; mineral physics and petrology; and astrobiology.
Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year. The deadline for submitting an application is 30 November 2016 and the position begins the following summer or autumn.
Carnegie Fellowship applications must include a curriculum vitae, brief description of thesis research, three-to-five page research proposal, list of publications, and three letters of reference sent by those familiar with your work.
If you are not familiar with our current research, we suggest that you look at our recent publications listed on the home page, Carnegie Institution Yearbooks, and/or speak with staff members and current postdoctoral associates.
The fellowship committee evaluates research proposals for evidence of original thinking and to determine a candidate’s ability to develop and carry out a research project that can be accomplished at the Laboratory. You are encouraged to contact a Geophysical Laboratory Staff Member about the suitability of your project.
More info: https://jobs.carnegiescience.edu/jobs/gl/
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2016
The Department of Earth and Space Science & Engineering (ESSE) of York University invites applications from emerging leaders in the area of Planetary Science to be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair at York University. The appointment will be at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor and commencing July 1, 2017. Applications are solicited from candidates with successful original and innovative research programs involving laboratory investigation of processes in the current or early solar system, development of measurement instrumentation, data analysis, or numerical modeling in support of planetary exploration missions. Candidates must have a strong commitment to research and teaching, a PhD degree in Planetary Science or a related field, and a minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a prior faculty appointment, or equivalent qualifications, and a track record including a funded research program. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence, or promise of excellence, in teaching and graduate supervision and be eligible for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
The new CRC position will be placed within a research environment that is unmatched amongst Canadian universities. The Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS) has a track record for leading contributions to planetary missions that includes the LIDAR and meteorological instruments on the NASA Phoenix mission, and the OLA instrument for the NASAOSIRIS REx asteroid sample return mission that is planned for launch in September 2016. CRESS is also involved with atmospheric investigations from the surface of Mars with the current NASA Mars Science Laboratory. The facilities within CRESS have been built up with substantial support from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation over the past decade. A new planetary simulation facility is currently under construction and includes a thermal vacuum chamber for experimental research. Priority will be given to candidates with expertise that could be applied for analysis of the sample that will be returned from the asteroid during the OSIRIS REx mission.
More information on how to apply is available at: http://lassonde.yorku.ca/esse-crc-planetary-science
Click here for more information.
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.
Click here for more information.
Application Review Begins 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), 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
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2016
The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland (located in College Park, MD) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position. Accomplished candidates in any area of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science are encouraged to apply. We are searching for candidates at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level, but will consider applications for tenured ranks in exceptional cases. A PhD in astronomy, physics, planetary science, or a related discipline is required, and the successful candidate must have an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
For more details and to apply, visit: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment
To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by December 1, 2016.
Click here for more information.
Interviews Begin December 1, 2016
We are looking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a remote sensing or planetary science background who has experience with hyperspectral imaging for geological research.
Candidates will ideally have knowledge of Martian geology and exploration. Fieldwork experience would also be highly advantageous. The position is split 50/50 between the University of St Andrews and Aberystwyth Universities, with collaboration with the ExoMars instrument teams across Europe including the project co-investigators Mark Claire (St. Andrews) and Andrew Coates (UCL, PanCam PI). This work is closely aligned with a sister project led by Imperial College London (PanCam 3D data exploitation), with which there will be ongoing collaboration. This position is a unique opportunity to become involved in the core scientific and technical development of the ExoMars rover mission, leaving the candidate well-placed to participate in ExoMars 2020 itself, and future missions to Mars.
This is a full time position for a fixed term of 36 months.
For specific enquiries about the project please contact Claire Cousins (crc9@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Matt Gunn (mmg@aber.ac.uk). Start date of 1st February at the earliest and negotiable for dates thereafter.
This post is to work jointly at the University of St Andrews and Aberystwyth University. Location and travel logistics will be discussed at interview.
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: January 1, 2017
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is seeking subject matter experts to serve as mail-in and/or panel meeting reviewers of proposals to ROSES and other solicitations. The landing page for all of these forms may be found at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels.
To fill out the forms just click the boxes to indicate the topics in which you consider yourself to be a subject matter expert. If your skills match our needs we will contact you to discuss scheduling.
Click here for more information.
Application Review Begins: January 1, 2017
The Reaction Dynamics Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, invites applications for three postdoctoral positions. The appointment period is initially for one year, but can be renewed annually based on availability of funds and satisfactory progress. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Successful applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following: experimental reaction dynamics, molecular beams, combustion chemistry, low temperature condensed phase, UHV technology, pulsed laser systems, four wave mixing schemes, pulsed lasers, labview.
1 Position: Reaction Dynamics & Combustion Chemistry (Gas Phase). The prime directive of the experiments is to investigate the formation of carbonaceous molecules (PAHs) in combustion systems exploiting crossed molecular beams along with mass spectrometry and ion imaging (Hawaii) and a pyrolytic micro reactor (Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory).
1 Position: Astrochemistry (Condensed Phase). The goal of these experiments is to probe the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in star forming regions via the interaction of ionizing radiation (charged particles; VUV) with ices exploiting a surface science machine along with reflectron time of flight mass spectrometry (Re-TOF); structural isomers are identified selectively by utilizing single photon tunable vacuum ultraviolet light generated by four wave mixing processes.
1 Position: Planetary Sciences (Condensed Phase). The primary interest of these studies is to explore the formation and destruction of water on the Moon via interaction of the Solar Wind with silicates.
Solid communication skills in English (written, oral), a publication record in internationally circulated, peer-reviewed journals, and willingness to work in a team are mandatory. Only self-motivated and energetic candidates are encouraged to apply. Please send a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, CV, and publication list to Prof. Ralf I. Kaiser, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USAralfk@hawaii.edu. Applicants must demonstrate their capability to prepare manuscripts for publications independently. The review of applications will start January 1, 2017, and continues until the position is filled. A description of our current research group can be found at http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/Bil301/welcome.html.
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2017
The School of Earth & Environment at Rowan University is seeking an Assistant Professor for the Department of Geology. We seek outstanding candidates who hold a Ph.D. (by Sept 1, 2017) in Geology/Geoscience, or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate will have demonstrated early success at research and publication. Postdoctoral experience is desirable. We seek candidates who have a global focus — established international collaborations are a plus. The areas of expertise are open, however, preference will be given to applicants engaged in the following research: near-term and/or long-term paleoclimate studies (biotic or abiotic), sea level science and coastal sustainability, geohazards, polar research, Earth systems processes, and planetary science in general, however, the science of impacts or the dynamical evolution of airless planetary bodies would be of particular interest. Scholars hired in the School of Earth & Environment will have superior communication skills and will have demonstrated a deep commitment to sharing their science with the public.
The Rowan Fossil Park (www.rowan.edu/fossils), located only 4 miles from campus, is closely associated with the School of Earth & Environment and provides unique research opportunities and teaching resources to faculty members and students.
Applications must be submitted through our online applicant tracking system. Please submit a single PDF that includes the following items in the order listed: letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a description of research agenda including potential funding mechanisms, and graduate transcripts (copies acceptable). Three letters of recommendation should be sent via email directly to the Search Committee Chair, Harold Connolly, (connollyh@rowan.edu). To insure full consideration, please submit your application by Monday, December 5th, 2016. The closing date for all applications is January 5th, 2017.
For more information, visit: https://rowanuniversity.hodesiq.com/jobs/assistant-professor-geology-glassboro-new-jersey-job-5352608
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2017
The Carnegie Institution for Science is a U.S.-based non-profit, private endowment headquartered in Washington, DC. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1902 as an organization for scientific discovery to serve as a home to exceptional individuals—men and women—with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. Today, Carnegie scientists work in six scientific departments on the West and East Coasts. Carnegie investigators are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, and global ecology.
The Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking a Director for the Geophysical Laboratory to lead the department in a multidisciplinary basic research program that includes earth and planetary science, astrobiology, and the origins of life and the chemistry and physics of materials. The Geophysical Laboratory is co-located with the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, which maintains independent research programs in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, planetary, and stellar astronomy and geophysics, and planetary physics.
The director will be expected to uphold an active scientific program and to provide general scientific leadership for the staff, who currently focus on the research themes mentioned above. The successful candidate will have a strong record of scientific excellence in at least one of the following areas: Earth and planetary science, astrobiology, the origins of life, and the chemistry and physics of materials. The Geophysical Laboratory, located in Washington, DC consists of 13 staff scientists, 20-30 postdoctoral fellows, and a supporting technical staff. All scientific staff salaries, several postdoctoral fellows, and a major part of the research program are covered by endowment funds. Research grants make up the balance of the funding.
This person will report to the President of the Institution, currently Dr. Matthew Scott. The director will be responsible for the advancement of the program, as well as development, budget, and scientific/administrative oversight.
Application Instructions Potential candidates should send a CV and a letter of interest, attached as a single combined PDF file to search@carnegiescience.edu.
The review of applications will begin on January 15, 2017 and the position will remain open until it is filled. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Bruce Watson, at watsoe@rpi.edu.
Click here for more information.
New Application Deadline: February 1, 2017
Renewal Application Deadline: March 15, 2017
NASA announces a call for graduate fellowship proposals to the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) program for the 2017-2018 academic year. This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from this competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities.
The deadline for NEW applications is February 1, 2017, and the deadline for RENEWAL applications is March 15, 2017.
The NESSF call for proposals and submission instructions are located at the NESSF 17 solicitation index page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ – click on “Solicitations” then click on “Open Solicitations” then select the “NESSF17” announcement. Also refer to “Program Specific Questions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” listed under “Other Documents” on the NESSF17 solicitation index page.
All proposals must be submitted in electronic format only through the NASANSPIRES system. The faculty advisor has an active role in the submission of the fellowship proposal. To use the NSPIRES system, the faculty advisor, the student, and the university must all register. Extended instructions on how to submit an electronic proposal package are posted on the NESSF 17 solicitation index page listed above. You can register in NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.
For further information contact Claire Macaulay, Program Administrator for NESSF Earth Science Research, Telephone: (202) 358-0151, E-mail: claire.i.macaulay@nasa.gov or Dolores Holland, Program Administrator for NESSF Heliophysics Research, Planetary Science Research, and Astrophysics Research, Telephone: (202) 358-0734, E-mail: hq-nessf-Space@nasa.gov.
Click here for more information.
Application Deadline: ROSES 2016 Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO)
November 15Seminar: “Habitable Planets for Humans: A Climate Modeler’s Perspective”
November 18Registration Deadline: 4th Magellan Science Symposium
November 18Application Deadline: Step 1 ROSES 2016 Habitable Worlds
November 18Application Deadline: Student Travel Grants for 3rd 2020 Mars Rover Landing Site Workshop
November 21Seminar: “What Can Extant Genomes Reveal About Early DNA Metabolism?”
November 21Application Deadline: Step 2 NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Cycle 2 CAN
November 23Application Deadline: Yale Ciencia Academy for Career Development
November 29Seminar: “NExSS Workshop: Impact of Exoplanetary Space Weather on Climate & Habitability”
November 30Early Registration Deadline: Space Studies Board Workshop on Searching for Life Across Space and Time
November 30Application Deadline: Postdoctoral Associate Opportunity at MIT (Foundations of Complex Life)
December 01Application Deadline: Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology
December 01Poster Abstract Submission Deadline: 229th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
December 15Application Deadline: Young Scientist Seminars