The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), managed for NASA by the Universities Space Research Association, is seeking a senior postdoctoral scholar for its prestigious Urey Fellowship, named for the late cosmochemist, Dr. Harold Urey.

The Urey Post-doctoral Fellowship recognizes and promotes excellence in research for scientists who are at least two years past their doctorate and have a strong publication record. The Urey Fellow is expected to define their own research directions and foci within the planetary sciences. 

The Urey Fellow will be in residence at the LPI, and will be expected to take advantage of interactions with its scientists (who have many specialties, see www.lpi.usra.edu) and those of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division at the nearby NASA Johnson Space Center (https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/). The LPI hosts a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) team focused on the Moon and on impact processes, and has recently established a center for planetary radar and a meteorite curation facility. The successful applicant will have access to a newly acquired SEM/EDX at the LPI, and may be able to arrange access to ARES’ analytical facilities (e.g., SEM, EMP, LA-ICP-MS) and experimental laboratories (e.g., high P-T petrology, hydrothermal, impact). 

The successful applicant is expected to actively contribute to the LPI’s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and community service. In addition to carrying out their own research programs, LPI staff and postdocs play an important role in supporting NASA and the planetary community. This support includes activities such as: supervising summer interns; involvement in education and outreach activities; contributing to focused workshops and conferences; and producing material of community interest for our website, newsletters and the LPI Bulletin. Contributions in one or more of these areas is expected, and excellent communication skills are preferred. 

Applicants for this position must have a Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, or other space science-related field, with experience in planetary research. The candidate must be able to pass a detailed government background investigation and, due to security issues, citizens of U.S. State Department Designated Countries (see link under “ECP Notices” at http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/nasaecp/) are not eligible. The Urey Fellow will be provided a competitive level of salary, research support, and travel support for two years. Travel to present research results at conferences and related meetings is expected.

Questions can be addressed to Dr. Lisa Gaddis ([email protected]). Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and must submit a Curriculum Vita with a list of publications, a two- to three-page statement of research interests and anticipated collaborations at the LPI, and a list of three professional references. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found on our website.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.