Science Positions

Postdoctoral

Other


Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mars Mineralogy at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

  Position Unvailable

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas, are pleased to announce a term posting for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mars Mineralogy.

The successful postdoctoral fellow will investigate the structure, composition, and formation of Mars-analog sulfate phases in Dr. Elizabeth Rampe’s research group. We seek a postdoctoral fellow to synthesize and analyze a variety of sulfates with the goal of better understanding how sulfates formed on Mars and how they may have evolved over time. Specifically, tasks include synthesizing sulfate phases at different temperatures and characterizing their structures and compositions via X-ray diffraction (XRD), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM will be performed at JSC, whereas NEXAFS will be performed at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility. Qualified applicants will have experience in characterizing short-range ordered materials, synchrotron spectromicroscopic analyses, and aqueous geochemistry laboratory techniques.

The postdoctoral fellow will be in residence at JSC while also being an employee of USRA and active at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with scientists of both organizations (see www.lpi.usra.edu and https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/).

Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. Fellows will be provided highly competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on December 15, 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions about expected tasks can be addressed to Dr. Elizabeth Rampe ([email protected]); other questions should be addressed to Cynthia Svambera ([email protected]), LPI’s HR business partner.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


Postdoctoral Researcher, Cosmochemistry

  Position Available

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas, are pleased to announce a term posting for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cosmochemistry.

The successful postdoctoral fellow will conduct isotopic and trace element studies of early Solar System materials in Dr. Justin Simon’s research group. Mass dependent isotopic records for systems such as Mg, Ca, K, and Cr will be coupled with their non-mass dependent isotopic compositions and elemental measurements of petrologically distinct chondrite components (e.g., refractory inclusions, chondrules, and their rims) as well as select representative bulk chondritic meteorites to investigate questions related to the origin of isotopic heterogeneity in the protoplanetary disk and how high temperature refractory and lower temperature more volatile material are found together in carbonaceous outer Solar System bodies. In particular, the project will focus on isotopic signatures that diverge from equilibrium condensation theory. The tasks would focus on developing multi-element chemical purification isotopic methods and, for selected isotope systems, coordinated laser ablation methods. The work would utilize our recently renovated sample preparation (including a MicroMill) and clean labs, TIMS, and MC-ICP-MS facilities within the Center for Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology (CICG) at JSC. Development work would include setting up methods for in-situ isotopic analysis employing our new femtosecond laser system. The work would integrate these measurements into their petrological, mineralogical, and microtextural context.

The postdoctoral fellow will be in residence at JSC while also being an employee of USRA and active at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with scientists of both organizations (see www.lpi.usra.edu and https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/).

Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. Fellows will be provided highly competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on November 28th, 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apply Here  

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


Postdoctoral Researcher, ARES Geochronology

  Position Available

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas, are pleased to announce a term posting for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geochronology.

The successful postdoctoral fellow will support geochemical and geochronological investigations for two projects in Dr. Justin Simon’s research group: one focused on planetary samples and the second on terrestrial planetary analogs. In the first project the primary focus is on relatively evolved Apollo samples and achondrites. We seek a postdoctoral fellow to do comparative geochemical and isotopic studies with the goal to develop hypotheses and tests for various modes of planetary differentiation, a fundamental process that shapes planetary bodies. Specifically, tasks would focus on developing small-scale sampling techniques to conduct K-Ca and Rb-Sr chronological investigations of clasts of ancient crustal materials to explore the nature and timing of complex processes occurring during planetary crustal formation. The second project is to refine dating methods for cementation of volcanic materials using terrestrial analogue materials, similar to those expected in the Mars returned sample cache. Secondary phases (carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, clays) tend to be enriched in aqueously mobile elements, such as large ion lithophiles (i.e., K, Rb, and Cs). Radiometric dating of these analogue materials using the K-Ca and Rb-Sr systems would be performed in the CICG facilities at JSC.

The postdoctoral fellow will be in residence at JSC while also being an employee of USRA and active at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with scientists of both organizations (see www.lpi.usra.edu and https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/).

Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. Fellows will be provided highly competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on November 28th, 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apply Here  

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


Postdoctoral Fellow in Modeling of Martian Habitability

  Position Unavailable

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Modeling of Martian Habitability. Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. received within the past two years in planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, or a related field. Applicants who are currently completing a PhD are also welcome to apply if they expect degree completion by the beginning of Summer 2022.

The successful candidate will join Drs. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín, staff scientist at the LPI, and Justin Filiberto, Branch Chief in ARES at NASA JSC, in studying the habitability of ancient and modern brine systems on Mars. Magma-sediment interaction is known to produce habitable environments on Earth. The incumbent will work to investigate the habitability of these systems by geochemically modeling brine formation and evolution during the cooling of such high-temperature events, particularly informed from field site data obtained by the international team. The candidate will also investigate modern brine formation on Mars by modeling the near-surface water cycle using experimental insights, as well as in situ environmental measurements and global circulation models.

At the LPI, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with scientists of many specialties (see www.lpi.usra.edu) including scientists from the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). Additionally, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to carry out an independent research program and contribute to public and science community engagement events at the LPI, including the Brines Across the Solar System (https://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/initiatives/brines/) conference initiative. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to propose for external funding and participate in grant review panels, and NASA Planetary Science analysis and assessment groups.

This position is for two years with a possible one-year extension, pending funding and performance. Required expertise includes: experience in numerical modeling, brine chemistry, proficiency in a common programming language (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and a brine chemistry software (e.g., CHIM-XPT, PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench), and demonstrated knowledge of planetary habitability and astrobiology. The candidate must also be able to pass a government background investigation. Due to security restrictions, citizens of U.S. State Department Designated Countries (see link under “ECP Notices” at http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/nasaecp/) are not eligible.

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at workforcenow.adp.com and must submit all materials in a single, combined PDF; application material submitted outside of this platform will not be considered. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Application material should be uploaded as a single document. Review of candidates will begin on December 03, 2021; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions about expected tasks can be addressed to Dr. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín ([email protected]); other questions should be addressed to Cynthia Svambera ([email protected]), LPI’s Human Resource partner.

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


Postdoctoral Fellow for Center for Lunar Science and Exploration

  Position Unvailable

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships in lunar science and exploration for full-time exempt positions in the Houston, Texas area. The successful candidate will join Dr. David A. Kring and over two dozen other scientists in the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration, which is one of twelve national centers of excellence supported by NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. The main goals of the Center’s activities are to address NASA’s highest lunar exploration science objectives, including activities in preparation of robotic and crewed landings.

Applications from those with recent Ph.D.s (including those to be awarded at the end of the Spring 2020 semester) in the fields of remote sensing, petrology, and stable isotope geochemistry are encouraged to apply.

In the field of remote sensing, the successful candidate will work at LPI, conduct high-priority science investigations and provide input needed for lunar surface missions. In the field of petrology and stable isotope geochemistry, the successful candidate will work at the LPI and use analytical facilities at the adjacent NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and two collaborating universities to assess the abundances and evolution of volatiles in lunar samples.

USRA offers a competitive salary and benefits package. If there are any questions about the science and exploration involved in the positions, please contact Dr. David A. Kring ([email protected]).

Interested applicants should apply to the posting at workforcenow.adp.com and must submit a single, combined PDF with their curriculum vitae with list of publications and three professional references, and a two- to three-page statement of research interests. There is no firm application deadline, although a review of applications will begin March 1, 2020.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers - on schedule and within budget.

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


Postdoc Researcher, ARES NanoSIMS

  Position Unavailable

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas, are pleased to announce a term posting for a Postdoctoral Fellowship.

The Fellowship recognizes and promotes excellence in research for scientists within five years of their doctorate and is intended to encourage the development of young scientists in the field of astromaterials research that involves the study of the origins, isotopic and elemental compositions, structure, and evolution of presolar grains identified in meteorites, interplanetary dust, asteroids, and comets. Fellows are expected to be self-motivated and to define their own research direction and foci. The Fellow will be in residence at JSC while also being an employee of USRA and active at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with scientists of both organizations (see www.lpi.usra.edu and https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/). Fellows will enjoy access to all of JSC’s laboratories and analytical instruments on the same basis as scientific staff.

The Fellow will perform NanoSIMS analyses of presolar grains and will be encouraged to coordinate these analyses with focused ion beam (FIB)-assisted transmission electron microscope (TEM) mineral characterization. The isotopic properties of presolar grains provides remarkable insight into astrophysical processes while their mineralogies allow us to understand dust condensation in stellar atmospheres and subsequent alteration in various environments. As these grains constitute a building block of the Solar System, understanding their origins and histories is intimately linked with understanding the origin of the Solar System.

The duties of this position at JSC include: performing scientific research in the presolar grains, presenting the results of this work as publications in refereed journals and presentations at conferences, participating in the academic community for this field, and contributing to the dissemination of planetary science information in the academic community and to the general public.

Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. Fellows will be provided highly competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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.

Questions can be addressed to Dr. Lisa Gaddis ([email protected]). Interested applicants should apply to the posting at workforcenow.adp.com and must submit a single, combined PDF with their curriculum vitae with list of publications and three professional references, and a two- to three-page statement of research interests. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found through the websites given above.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering DocuSign Envelope ID: 3DE3831A-2C32-46B9-A908-3F977936B25A and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


Postdoc Researcher, Planetary Mapping of Impact Craters

  Position Unavailable

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), part of the Universities Space Research Association, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the area of planetary mapping of impact craters.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Paul Schenk at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (Houston, TX) on the mapping and cataloging of impact craters on Ceres, Vesta, and icy satellites. Half of the fellowship will be funded by a NASA grant to study impact-related morphologies. The remainder of the fellowship would be available for planetary research of the applicant’s choice, and for service to NASA and participation in Education and Engagement activities. The successful applicant will have access to computer resources at the LPI. Candidates with backgrounds in planetary mapping are strongly encouraged to apply.

Completion of the PhD by the beginning of the appointment is required. The fellowship would be for two years, with a possible extension to a third year. The candidate must be able to pass a detailed government background investigation. Technical questions should be addressed to Dr. Paul Schenk ([email protected]). Interested applicants should apply to the posting before August 1, 2021 at USRA Careers, and must submit a single, combined PDF with cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans, and a list of three or more professional references. For information about LPI please see https://www.lpi.usra.edu/.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation (https://www.usra.edu/), where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


Gordon McKay Postdoctoral Fellowship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

  Position Unavailable

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), both in Houston, Texas, are pleased to announce a new term posting for the prestigious Gordon A. McKay Postdoctoral Fellowship, honoring the accomplishments of Dr. Gordon A. McKay. Dr. McKay was a world-recognized authority on planetary igneous petrology and geochemistry, and was the leader of the ARES Research Office at JSC for over 20 years.

The McKay Fellowship recognizes and promotes excellence in research for scientists within five years of their doctorate and is intended to encourage the development of young scientists in the field of astromaterials research that involves the study of the origin, composition, structure, and evolution of the bodies of the Solar System, including the planets and their satellites, the Earth and Moon, meteorites, asteroids, comets, and dust. McKay Fellows are expected to be self-motivated and to define their own research direction and foci within the planetary sciences (defined inclusively). The McKay Fellow will be in residence at JSC while also being an employee of USRA and active at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with scientists of both organizations (see www.lpi.usra.edu and https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/). Fellows will also enjoy access to all of JSC’s laboratories and analytical instruments on the same basis as scientific staff.

The duties of this position at the LPI include: performing scientific research in the lunar and planetary sciences, presenting the results of this work as publications in refereed journals and presentations at conferences, participating in the academic community for this field, and contributing to the dissemination of planetary science information in the academic community and to the general public. Fellows are also expected to contribute to the LPI’s mission of education and outreach.

Applicants for this position should have (or should be receiving within 3 months) a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. Research experience in planetary science as part of or beyond completion of the Ph.D. is strongly preferred. Excellent communication skills also are preferred. McKay Fellows will be provided highly competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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.

Questions can be addressed to Dr. Lisa Gaddis ([email protected]). Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and must submit a single, combined PDF with their curriculum vitae with list of publications and three professional references, and a two- to three-page statement of research interests. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found through the websites given above.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


Graham Ryder Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Lunar and Planetary Institute

  Position Unavailable

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), managed for NASA by the Universities Space Research Association, is pleased to announce a new prestigious fellowship, honoring the accomplishments of the late Dr. Graham Ryder. Dr. Ryder was a world-recognized authority on lunar samples and the history of the Moon, and served as a Staff Scientist at the LPI for nearly 20 years.

The Ryder Postdoctoral Fellowship recognizes and promotes excellence in research for scientists within five years of their doctorate. Ryder Fellows are expected to define their own research direction and foci within the planetary sciences, with an emphasis on topics in lunar petrology and geology. The Ryder Fellow will be in residence at the LPI, and will be expected to interact with its scientists (www.lpi.usra.edu/science/staff) and those of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) division at Johnson Space Center (https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/). The LPI leads a team in the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), allowing the Fellow to collaborate with this community of lunar & asteroid explorers. LPI scientists maintain active collaborations with faculty at the nearby Rice University and branches of the University of Houston.

The duties of this position at the LPI include: performing scientific research in the lunar and planetary sciences, presenting the results of this work as publications in refereed journals and presentations at conferences, participating in the academic community for this field, and contributing to the dissemination of planetary science information in the academic community and to the general public. Fellows are also expected to contribute to the LPI’s mission of education and outreach.

Applicants for the Ryder Fellowship should have a Ph.D. in a planetary or space sciences-related field and a strong publication record. 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. Ryder Fellows will be provided competitive levels of salary, research support, and travel support for two years, with possible extension for another year. 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 single, combined PDF with their curriculum vitae with list of publications and three professional references, and a two- to three-page statement of research interests. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found through our website.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


Harold Urey Fellowship Postdoctoral Researcher

  Position Unavailable

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 Postdoctoral 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 single, combined PDF with their curriculum vitae with list of publications and three professional references, and a two- to three-page statement of research interests. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI and at JSC can be found on our website.

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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


LPI Senior Staff Scientist

  Position Unavailable

The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX, invites applications for a full-time staff scientist. We seek a mid-career self-motivated scientist with a strong record of outstanding research, and a demonstrated record of external funding, although we will also consider applications from early career scientists. We wish to augment and extend our expertise in the petrology and geochemistry of planetary materials, including extraterrestrial solid and terrestrial analog samples. The successful applicant will maintain and enhance the strong ties between the LPI and our colleagues at the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC); existing or recent collaborative projects with ARES researchers are desirable. The applicant will have access to the LPI’s analytical facilities and would 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). Further information on current staff members, research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at www.lpi.usra.edu.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, Geosciences (e.g., Geology, Geochemistry), Astrobiology, Astronomy, Physics or related relevant fields, ideally with at least 10 years of experience as a scientist. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, and be able to pass a detailed government background investigation. 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, graduate students, and/or undergraduate summer interns; seek involvement with spacecraft missions; and participate with NASA and the science community in review panels, analysis and advisory groups, etc.

Part of the role of an LPI staff scientist is to support NASA and the planetary science community. This support includes (but is not limited to) activities such as: participating in LPI’s highly successful summer intern program; maintaining and managing the LPI’s SEM and spectrometers; participating in the XSPACE meteorite curation facility; conceiving and implementing broad, multi-year science research initiatives; producing material of community interest for our newsletters and the LPI Bulletin; supervising and mentoring visiting students and interns; working with our sponsor to initiate focused workshops and conferences; and involvement in public engagement activities. Experience in some of these areas is expected, along with excellent communication skills.

At the LPI, the successful candidate will enjoy interactions with the diverse in-house Science Staff, scientists at the nearby ARES Division (JSC), and with faculty of the nearby Rice University and the University of Houston. The LPI Science Staff has expertise in many areas of planetary science, leads a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) team focused on the Moon and on impact processes, and includes a center for planetary radar research and a growing astrobiology laboratory.

For more information about the position, please contact the LPI Director, Dr. Lisa Gaddis, [email protected]. Interested applicants should apply to the posting at USRA Careers and must submit all materials via ADP; application material submitted outside of this platform will not be considered. The required application material includes: (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references. Review of candidates will begin on January 3, 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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


Visiting Scientist

  Position Unavailable

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.

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

USRA is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, planetary science, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations.

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

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