Positions Available

LPI Staff Scientist Position

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX invites applications for a long-term, full-time staff scientist. We seek an active, self-motivated researcher with external funding or excellent prospects of external funding who will perform outstanding scientific research in the lunar and planetary sciences.

At the LPI, the successful candidate will enjoy interactions with its diverse group of in-house scientists, with those of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), and with faculty of the nearby Rice University and the University of Houston. The LPI has expertise in many areas of planetary science and, notably, leads a NASA Lunar Science Institute team. The successful candidate will have access to in-house computing and other resources at the LPI, as well as the laboratory facilities of JSC-ARES, which includes materials analysis (EMP, TEMs, LA-ICPMS), high-TP experimental laboratory, and high-speed impact (gun) laboratory.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences or in a relevant discipline, and at least 10 years of experience in the field. The successful candidate will be expected to design and conduct research in planetary science, propose for and receive external funding for research, support and advise post-doctoral fellows and/or graduate students, seek involvement with spacecraft missions if appropriate, and participate with NASA and the science community in review panels, analysis and advisory groups, etc.

The position of staff scientist is long-term, but LPI/USRA cannot give tenure nor provide specific guarantees of employment duration. The position is partially ‘soft money;’ within several years, the successful applicant is expected to obtain external support to cover half of his/her salary. USRA offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to https://usracareers.silkroad.com/. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website.

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Visiting Scientist Positions

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, is actively searching for senior planetary science professionals interested in spending time in residence at the Institute. LPI's physical proximity to NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate (ARES), and the NASA sample collection make it an ideal location for any scientist whose research would be enhanced by direct daily interaction with the ARES and LPI scientific staff.

The Institute’s dynamic environment provides the perfect atmosphere for senior academics considering going on sabbatical. Visiting Scientists in residence during the summer months may also participate in the renowned LPI Undergraduate Intern Program.

Applicants may propose to work in any area of the planetary sciences, with preference given to topics that enhance the interactions between the LPI and the Astromaterials Research Group at (JSC).

Visiting Scientist positions will generally be offered for periods of 1–12 months and are available for scientists with established records of research productivity.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and three references. There is no firm application deadline and applications will be reviewed periodically.

Applications materials should be sent to the following address:

Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
https://usracareers.silkroad.com/

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Postdoctoral Positions

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) seeks a self-motivated postdoctoral researcher to undertake work in any area of the planetary sciences, with preference given to topics that enhance the interactions between LPI and the Astromaterials Research Group at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in planetary sciences or a geosciences-related field. Postdoctoral positions will be offered for an initial period of up to two years, with possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and a list of three references to:

Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
https://usracareers.silkroad.com/

There is no firm application deadline and applications will be reviewed periodically.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute is located in Houston, Texas. Located 25 miles from the historic Gulf Coast, Houston is a vibrant, international city famous for outstanding low cost restaurants, arts and entertainment, and outdoor activities such as bird watching and kayaking located 25 miles from the historic gulf coast.

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

"Urey Fellows" at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, seeks candidates for its “Urey Fellows” program in planetary sciences. This prestigious fellows program is aimed at the postdoctoral level and recognizes excellence in research for scientists within 5 years of completion of the PhD. Fellows are expected to perform much of their research at the LPI or within the Astromaterials Group at the Johnson Space Center (ARES), but may spend up to 6 months per year at other institutions. Fellows will be allowed significant latitude in defining their own research direction. Highly competitive levels of remuneration and support for research and travel will be provided to successful candidates.

Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field before taking up the position. “Urey Fellows” will be offered support for an initial period of two years, with possible extension to a maximum of three years.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and a list of three references. There is no firm application deadline and applications will be reviewed periodically.. Applications materials should be sent to

Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
https://usracareers.silkroad.com/

Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at www.lpi.usra.edu and for the ARES at ares.jsc.nasa.gov.

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Volcano-Lithosphere Interactions on the Terrestrial Planets Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Houston Texas invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the field of geophysical studies of the growth and evolution of large volcanic edifices and provinces on the terrestrial planets.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Patrick McGovern exploring mechanical interactions between intrusive and extrusive volcanic edifice growth, lithospheric flexural response, and magma ascent, using numerical modeling techniques, including Finite Element (FEM) and Distinct Element (DEM) Methods. The postdoctoral research will also entail analysis of imagery, topography, gravity, and spectral datasets for large planetary volcanoes in order to constrain the modeling efforts. Potential bodies of interest include Venus, lo, the Moon, Earth, and Mars.

The position requires a recent Ph.D. in geophysics or geology, and experience in quantitative modeling of geophysical, geological, or magmatic processes. Previous experience with advanced codes such as COMSOL Multiphysics (FEM) and PFC (DEM) along with programming languages such as MATLAB or FORTRAN 95 is desirable. The position will be offered for an initial period of two years with a possible extension to a maximum of three years.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to https://usracareers.silkroad.com/. Review of candidates will begin August 1, 2012; applications arriving before this date will receive full consideration. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI may be found on our website www.lpi.usra.edu.

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Accounting Clerk I

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) a large non-profit space research university consortium is seeking an experienced Accounting Clerk for a full-time position in the Houston, Texas area. This position will be responsible for providing a wide variety of clerical and technical accounting work involved in performing financial record keeping and reporting duties. The candidate will be well versed in all aspects of business and able to adapt to a number of different administrative tasks with the ability to interact with people in a broad range of levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Verify the accuracy of invoices and other accounting documents or records.
Update and maintain accounting journals, ledgers, and other records detailing financial business transactions.
Enter data into computer systems.
Compile data and prepare a variety of reports.
Assist procurement specialist/buyer in preparing procurement packages.
As primary backup for the receptionist, professionally answer phones, greet visitors, and provide information to visitors and the public.
Process stipend/scholarship invoice vouchers.
Inventory office supplies.
Assemble daily overnight shipments.
Support audit of invoice vouchers, travel reimbursements, consulting/honoraria vouchers, and provide support to audits of contract management records.
Reconcile records with employees and management and/or external vendors and customers.
Research accounts payable issues.
Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Associates degree preferred.
One to three years of experience in an accounting department; or two years of college in a relevant major.
Working knowledge of basic accounting principles and hands-on experience with at least one computerized accounting system.
Ability to work well with others in cooperative/team environment.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats; including presentations.
Time management skills to understand priorities in a deadline driven team environment.
Detail-oriented and ability to maintain a high level of professional conduct and confidentiality.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; excellent typing and 10 key by touch skills.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to https://usracareers.silkroad.com/. Review of candidates begins immediately. USRA offers an excellent compensation package including generous fringe benefits.

The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Last updated August 17, 2012