The Institute of Planetology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking a researcher to carry out a three-year PhD in planetary science starting April 15, 2020 at the earliest and funded at 75% (E13 TV-L) level.
The PhD candidate will be part of a junior research group dedicated to the understanding of regolith evolution and to the analysis of images returned by spacecraft from the Moon, asteroids, and Mars. Understanding the nature, origin, and evolution of regolith is paramount for a wide range of research fields and will serve engineering purposes for rover and lander missions. The activities of the PhD student will be (1) the development of a numerical model to describe the process of small impact (<1m) bombardment and the evolution of boulder-rich surfaces, and (2) use of the model developed to analyze remote-sensing images of planetary surfaces. The requirements are (1) proven and in-depth expertise in programming (e.g., Matlab), (2) experience with remote-sensing data or software, and (3) Master’s degree in geophysics, geo-informatics, or equivalent.
The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women in academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities. Disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applications should include a CV, motivation letter, assessment reports for previous projects (e.g. Bachelor’s and Master’s theses), copies of degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two references. Please send all documents combined in a single pdf to the address below. Review of applications will begin February 28, 2020 and will be continued until the position has been filled.
Dr. Ottaviano Ruesch, Institute for Planetology, Westfaelische Wilhelms Universitaet Muenster, Germany [email protected].