The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the study of advanced curation methods for planetary materials. 

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Christopher Herd to investigate the best ways to preserve samples returned from future space missions (astromaterials), through simulations of returned sample curation and analysis. Using the University of Alberta Subzero Facility for Curation of Astromaterials, in collaboration with NASA-Johnson Space Center Curation experts, the candidate will develop and refine advanced methods of astromaterials curation, with a focus on cold curation for volatile- and organic-bearing samples. Access to meteoritic material from the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection will be provided.

Applicants should have a recent (within 5 years) Ph.D. in the general area of planetary materials research (petrology and/or geochemistry); experience with planetary materials, especially involving the analysis of organic matter, and/or experience in museum collections management or conservation, would be considered an asset. The position would be for one year, renewable for up to two additional years.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.ualberta.ca/research/support/post-doctoral-office/postdoc-opportunities, under “Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.”