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3 International Post-Doctoral Fellowships on Herschel (Roma, Italy)
- Title: 3 International Post-Doctoral Fellowships on Herschel
Institute: Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI-INAF)
Location: Roma, Italy
Duration: 6 months, renewable for a further period (on an annual basis, up to a total of 3 years)
Qualification: The successful candidates will be expected to carry out research activities in the reduction, analysis and publication of the Herschel data, as well as in the preparation of follow-up observational programs. Position 1: This fellowship will be dedicated to research work on the Herschel photometric surveys of the nearby star forming regions. The Candidates must have experience with infrared/submillimeter astrophysics and with Star Formation/Interstellar Medium scientific topics. Experiences in the reduction and analysis of large scale infrared/submillimeter surveys and in instrumentation for IR astronomy from the space will be considered assets. Position 2: This fellowship will be dedicated to research work on Herschel SPIRE, PACS and HIFI spectroscopic data in the field of star formation in the Galaxy and in external galaxies. The Candidates must have experience with infrared/submillimeter astrophysics and with molecular or atomic spectroscopy of the ISM, the HII/PDR regions or emission regions in galaxies. Experiences in the analysis and interpretation of infrared/submillimeter spectra and in chemical modeling will be considered assets. Position 3: This fellowship will be dedicated to research work on Herschel SPIRE and PACS photometric and spectroscopic data on galaxies and AGN. The Candidates must have experience with extragalactic astrophysics, infrared photometry and spectroscopy of galaxies, the physics of Active Galactic Nuclei. Experience in reduction and analysis of Spitzer or Herschel data would be considered an asset. The winners will be encouraged to develop analytic and theoretical skills toward the interpretation of the data and will participate to the Herschel activities of the group.
Duties: Three post-doctoral positions are available in the “Star and Planetary Formation” group at the Istituto di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario (IFSI-INAF, Rome), in the framework of the group activities for the HERSCHEL mission. These fellowships are funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The IFSI “Star and Planetary Formation” group actively participates to the consortia of the three focal plane instruments of the HERSCHEL satellite: SPIRE, PACS and HIFI. The group is involved in many of the Guarantee Time (GT) Key Projects of the mission. In particular the group co-leads the PACS and SPIRE GT Key Project “Probing the origin of the stellar initial mass function: A wide-field Herschel photometric survey of nearby star-forming cloud complexes”, participates to the two HIFI GT Key Projects “Herschel Spectral Survey of star forming regions” and “Water in star forming regions with Herschel ” and to the Local Galaxies Key Projects: “Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium of Very Nearby Galaxies”, “The ISM in Low Metallicity Environments: Bridging the Gap Between Local Universe and Primordial Galaxies”, “The Herschel Reference Survey”.
Website: http://193.206.241.5/struttura-organizzativa/dsr_1/alta_formazione/borse_stu dio/borse_studio/
How to apply: The applicants should send (electronically to the two e-mail addresses below, followed by registered mail or express courier to the postal address below) a Curriculum Vitae, a statement of research interests and a list of publications. They should also arrange for at least two letters of recommendation to be sent independently to the addresses below. They should clearly indicate to what position they are applying. Mrs. Angela Rossetti IFSI-INAF, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Roma - Italy phone: (+39) 0649934490 fax: (+39) 0645488374 – 0645488383 E-mail enquiries: Anna Di Giorgio: anna.digiorgio@ifsi-roma.inaf.it Luigi Spinoglio: luigi.spinoglio@ifsi-roma.inaf.it
Closing date for application: 15 July 2010
Planetary Scientist in the field of planetary geology for the DAWN Framing Camera Project (Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany)
- Title: Planetary Scientist in the field of planetary geology for the DAWN Framing Camera Project
Institute: Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Location: Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Duration: Until end 2012
Qualification: Applicants must have a PhD or at least a Master Degree (Diploma) in geosciences or a closely related field.
Duties: The successful candidate will join the DAWN FC group at MPS and will be involved in the analysis of the images that the DAWN spacecraft will return from 4 Vesta. In addition, the successful candidate will be involved in the FC operations planning and data archiving process. The ideal candidate has several years of experience in the following areas: * Planetary (surface) geology and mineralogy * Asteroid science or related science (e.g. Moon, Mars) * Image processing and analysis of remote sensed data using e.g. ENVI or ISIS Working in an international environment the successful candidate should be able to collaborate with people from different cultures and disciplines and be open to different opinions and ideas. Fluent spoken and written English is mandatory. The position is available for an initial period until the end of 2012 and is extendable to a total of 5 years. The salary is up to TVöD E13 (depending on qualification). The anticipated starting date is August 2010 or later.
Website: http://www.mps.mpg.de/en/aktuelles/jobs/job_20100526.html
Contact: Dr. A. Nathues (email: nathues@mps.mpg.de)
How to apply: Interested candidates should send their application materials, including curriculum vitae, publication list and a brief statement of research interests to the address below by July 9, 2010. They should also provide the names of two references (including contact information).
Closing date for application: 9 July 2010
Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Magnetospheres (Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany)
- Title: Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Magnetospheres
Institute: Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung
Location: Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Duration: 3 years
Qualification: The candidate should hold a PhD in physical, geophysical, or related sciences,and should preferably have some expertise in the analysis of satellite data, plasma physics and numerical computation.
Duties: The candidate will join the Planetary Plasmas Group at MPS (http://www.mps.mpg.de/en/projekte/planetary-plasmas/) which focuses on the analysis of the plasma environment of planets and moons. The postdoctoral project is entitled 'Intrinsic and Induced Magnetic Fields of the Terrestrial Planets and Their Influence on Atmospheric Escape and Water Inventory'. It includes analysis of observations made by the European Mars Express and Venus Express spacecraft as well as numerical simulations of planetary evolution. The non-permanent position will run for 3 years and is financed according to the E13 salary scheme (Euro 3075-4644 before taxes per month depending on qualification) by the Deutsche Forschungs Gemeinschaft within the framework of the priority program Planetary Magnetism (http://www.planetmag.de/). The project may be extended by 2 more years within that program depending on success.
Website: http://www.mps.mpg.de/en/projekte/planetary-plasmas/
Contact: Dr. Markus Fraenz (fraenz@mps.mpg.de°
How to apply: Please submit your application including CV, summary of research experience, list of publications, and the name of two referees until June 30 2010 to: Dr. Markus Fraenz email: fraenz@mps.mpg.de phone: +49-5556-979-441 Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung Max-Planck-Straße 2 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau Germany
Closing date for application: 30 June 2010
Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher / Space research / Planetary Sciences (Bern, Switzerland)
- Title: Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher / Space research / Planetary Sciences
Institute: Physikalisches Institut of the University of Bern
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Duration: Permament after suitable period
Qualification: The successful candidate will have a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics or Space Sciences and at least 4 years post-doctoral experience with an excellent publication record. Geophysics may be acceptable if a strong physics background can be demonstrated.
Duties: This position is funded through the University. It is intended that, after a suitable period (dependent upon present qualifications), the position will become permanent. To achieve permanent status the successful candidate will need to demonstrate continued outstanding individual research and the willingness/ability to teach at all levels. Habilitation (or equivalent) will be required.
Website: http://space.unibe.ch/staff/thomas/positions.htm
Contact: nicolas.thomas{at}space.unibe.ch
How to apply: Applications should be made in writing to Ms. K. Weyeneth Space Research and Planetology Division Physikalisches Institut University of Bern Sidlerstrasse 5 CH-3012 Bern Switzerland.
Closing date for application: 20 June 2010
Head of the ESA Brussels Office in the Director General’s Policy Office (ESA Brussels Office, Brussels, Belgium)
- Title: Head of the ESA Brussels Office in the Director General’s Policy Office
Institute: European Space Agency (ESA)
Location: ESA Brussels Office, Brussels, Belgium
Qualification: Applicants for this post should have a university degree or equivalent qualification, together with a long experience in the analysis and development of complex strategic policies, preferably in a space-related context. Experience of working with EU institutions is essential; experience of working within the European Commission or European Council Secretariat would be a significant advantage. A good knowledge and understanding of EU institutions and European space policies is required. Applicants must also have extensive experience in representing an organisation or company at senior level, including ideally in a political context. Such experience should be backed up by excellent interpersonal skills and the capability to work collaboratively in a network, both within ESA and externally. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required together with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another member state language is an asset.
Duties: Reporting to the Head of the Coordination with the EU Institutions and Policies Office, the Head of the ESA Brussels Office is ESA’s permanent representative in Brussels. The postholder shall carry out the following duties: - supporting the relations of the Agency’s structures and programmes with their corresponding interfaces in the EU institutions, also elaborating and maintaining an up-to-date plan of contact in coordination with concerned Directorates as well as a database on ESA’s applications for EC funding; -supporting the elaboration of an ESA policy vis-à-vis the EU and contribute to the activities of the ESA-EC Joint Secretariat ensuring the preparation of the related documentation; - contributing to the coordination between ESA and the EU in terms of competences, infrastructure and programmes in the frame of the activities related to the European Space Programme; - supporting the preparation of further evolution of the institutional set-up for the relations between ESA and the EU; - contributing to the development of the relations with the European Commission, the EU Parliament and Committees, the EU Council and its agencies, the European Defence Agency, in coordination with colleagues responsible for security matters; - following up decisions and activities of the EU institutions, identifying those which may have an influence on the European Space Policy, ESA and the space industry, and alerting accordingly the relevant services within the Agency, while liaising with the national Permanent Representations to the EU and the CoRePer.
Website: http://www.esa.int/hr/vn.htm
How to apply: Applications from external candidates for this post should preferably be made on-line at the ESA Web Site (www.esa.int/careers). Those unable to apply on-line should submit their CV to the Head of the HQ Human Resources Division, ESA, 8-10 rue Mario-Nikis, 75738 Paris, Cedex 15 (France).
Closing date for application: 18 June 2010
Science Ground Segment Liaison Scientist (Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain)
- Title: Science Ground Segment Liaison Scientist
Institute: ESA, ESAC
Location: Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
Qualification: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in the field of planetary science or related areas and experience in the fields of planetary science instrument operations/development and data processing/archiving. These qualifications are preferably linked to X-ray, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometry space based investigations. Familiarity with ESA’s planetary missions would be an asset. Applicants should have good analytical, communication and synthesis skills and a proactive attitude to solving problems. They should have good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. They need to feel comfortable working in a small team with varying tasks and responsibilities and in representing the Agency. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required. Knowledge of another member state language is an asset.
Duties: The Science Operations Development Division is responsible for the development of the Science Ground Segments (SGS) for the Directorate’s missions. The postholder’s initial assignment will be as a ‘Liaison Scientist’ for the BepiColombo mission, in the area of X-ray, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometry instrumentation. The postholder will report to the BepiColombo SGS Development Manager and will interact closely with the Project Scientist. The BepiColombo mission is scheduled for launch in 2014 and will reach Mercury in 2020. The SGS provides services in the areas of science operations coordination and planning, data analysis and planning feedback as well extended services in the data processing and archiving areas. The Liaison Scientist acts as an interface between all parties involved, i.e. SGS, PI/Instrument teams and Project Scientist, for those areas related to SGS activities.
Website: http://www.esa.int/hr/PDF/ESA-VN-ESAC-2010-002.pdf
How to apply: Applications from external candidates for this post should preferably be made on-line at the ESA Web Site (www.esa.int/careers). Those unable to apply on-line should submit their CV to the Head of the Human Resources Service, ESAC, P.O. Box 78, 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid), Spain.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Meteorites (South Kensington, UK)
- Title: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Meteorites
Institute: Natural History Museum
Location: South Kensington, UK
Duration: 23 months
Qualification: Academic and professional qualifications 1. PhD in Geochemistry, Cosmochemistry, Planetary Science, related field OR equivalent Knowledge and experience 2. Knowledge and experience of basic determination of mineralogy/petrology 3. Knowledge and experience dissolving rocks (experience with dissolution of meteorites would be advantageous) 4. Knowledge and experience using solution ICP-MS technique 5. Knowledge and experience using Laser Ablation ICP-MS technique 6. Relevant laboratory experience (including knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures and their application in the laboratory) 7. Experience of publishing papers in high quality peer-reviewed journals (a proven publication record would be advantageous to the post holder) 8. Some knowledge and understanding of theoretical modelling Skills and competences 9. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing in English at all levels, including the ability to produce sound manuscripts and abstracts 10. Demonstrable evidence of planning and organising own time to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines 11. Flexibility; competent of completing tasks independently using own initiative and can work well as part of a team whilst building good working relationships with others 12. Proven analytical skills with a methodical approach to data collection, handling and interpretation 13. A systematic approach to problem solving to aid both personal research and collaborative research 14. Can focus on tasks to completion, approaching tasks logically with due care and strong attention to detail 15. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new software packages quickly and with ease Other essential requirements 16. A willingness to attend international conferences which usually occur twice per year
Duties: The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web. The Mineralogy Department is responsible for one of the most comprehensive collection of minerals and houses the national collection of meteorites and extensive collection of rocks, ores, building stones and ocean floor deposits. Based in the Mineralogy Department and reporting to Gretchen Benedix, the Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) is in the Meteoritics and Cosmic Mineralogy Section. The post holder will undertake a study of primitive achondrite meteorites to determine the physical properties of their formation and evolution through analysis of bulk and trace element chemistry, as well as mineralogy and petrology. These properties will be used as inputs to and checks on the results of computer models of asteroid heating in the early solar system. The researcher will conduct all bulk chemical and mineralogy/petrology analyses and will assist in the interpretation of models.
Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs
How to apply: Apply online before the closing date through the NHM website: Vacancies at the Natural History Museum (www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs). Complete the online application form and provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate how knowledge skills and experience meets the detailed criteria outlined in the job description. As part of the application form candidates need to complete the following questions; It is advisable that candidates prepare their answers to the questions in word document which can be transferred into the online application form. Provide specific examples from achievements, knowledge and experience or skills and competencies that demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role which are enclosed and numbered above. What attracted you to the role? Is there anything else you wish to tell us, that you have not had the opportunity of doing elsewhere in this application form? Candidates that wish to provide additional documents to support their application can email these to the named contact (general enquiries). Individual cover letters and CV’s will not be considered but can be used to support completed online application forms. Interviews will take place the week beginning 31 May 2010. Contract: Fixed term appointment for 23 months Pay Band: Science level 2 Salary Range: £28,022 per annum Hours: 41 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Closing date for application: 18 April 2010
Postdoctoral scientist in ionospheric tomography (Helsinki, Finland)
- Title: Postdoctoral scientist in ionospheric tomography
Institute: Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 3 years 1/2
Qualification: Candidates must hold a PhD in the area of physics, mathematics, or geosciences, and should recognize themselves in as many as possible (but not necessarily all) points of the following profile: - good or at least basic knowledge of ionospheric and magnetospheric physics - good knowledge of mathematics (particularly inversion techniques) - good abilities in programming and handling of large data sets - experience in tomography (not necessarily ionospheric tomography) - ability to work and publish independently
Duties: The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI, Helsinki, Finland) is seeking for a postdoctoral scientist in the area of ionospheric tomography, starting from June 1, 2010, lasting until December 31, 2013. The work comprises the analysis of data from a dense network of GPS receivers and from beacon receivers in Scandinavia, using tomographic inversion techniques, and the interpretation of the results in terms of ionospheric and magnetospheric physics. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of a new, multi-frequency tomographic inversion scheme that is particularly optimized for the analysis of high-density data sets from mesoscale receiver networks. Further, a contribution to the three-dimensional modeling of the ionosphere is expected.
Contact: Olaf Amm (Olaf.Amm@fmi.fi)
How to apply: Applications for the position need to be submitted not later than March 31, 2010, addressed to kirjaamo@fmi.fi and cc: Olaf.Amm@fmi.fi, including a CV, list of publications and a short statement of scientific interests. For further information, please contact Olaf Amm, tel. +358919294689 or Olaf.Amm@fmi.fi.
Closing date for application: 31 March 2010
Scottish Universities Physics Alliance Postgraduate Opportunities (Edinburg, Scotland)
- Title: Scottish Universities Physics Alliance Postgraduate Opportunities
Institute: Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)
Location: Edinburg, Scotland
Duties: Fifteen fully funded Prize PhD Studentships + over 100 other funded PhD places in physics in Scotland
Website: http://www.supa.ac.uk/
How to apply: Full applications and references must be submitted at www.supa.ac.uk by 31 January 2010.
Closing date for application: 31 January 2010
ESAC / Vacancy in the Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration (Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain)
- Title: ESAC / Vacancy in the Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration
Institute: ESAC
Location: Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
Qualification: Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent qualification in space physics, preferably related to planetary science. Significant and demonstrated experience in preparing science data archives, both at instrument- and mission-level (and preferably in an international context) is required as well as extensive expertise in analysing and organising scientific data. Applicants should have good communication, analytical and synthesis skills plus a proactive attitude to solving problems. They should have good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with both science and engineering teams. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required. Knowledge of another member state language is an asset.
Duties: Data from the Directorate’s solar, heliospheric, plasma and planetary science missions is made available to the worldwide scientific community via archives under the responsibility of the Solar System Science Operations Division. Within this framework, the Science Archives Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the scientific usefulness of these science archives. This covers many aspects from the coordination of science user requirements, through definition of archive functionalities, to oversight of the production and quality of the data products and their ingestion into the archive. The Science Archive Coordinator should work in a discipline rather than a mission-oriented manner and is expected to address the needs of a broad spectrum of investigations. The postholder will be a user of data from ESA science missions and their own research will benefit directly from the development of archives oriented toward the scientific community. The postholder interfaces to the Project Scientists, the Mission Managers, the scientific community, the instrument teams, the Science Ground Segment Managers and the archive development and operations team. The duties will include: • supporting, during the entire life cycle of mission development, the definition of the scientific and technical requirements on the data products to be produced during the operational phase of the mission and stored in its archive; • coordinating with the Principal Investigator and the mission ground segment teams to ensure a unified approach for data product generation; • supporting and coordinating the definition of scientific user requirements on the archive, including coordinating the Archive Scientists and interfacing with the science archives development and operations team for their implementation and deployment; • overseeing the validation and quality control of data products and related documentation; • overseeing data ingestion into the science archive; • ensuring the scientific quality of the data in the archive; • representing the Division in international working groups on solar system science data archives; • with our international partners coordinating the strategy to assist the scientific community in developing disciplinary and interdisciplinary science archives and data analysis tools; • providing support to outreach activities to promote the use of ESA’s science archives by the wide scientific community; • undertaking original research, preferably using data from the ESA science archives. The postholder reports hierarchically to the Head of the Solar System Science Operations Division and functionally to the Mission Managers of the various projects.
Website: http://www.esa.int/careers
Contact: http://www.esa.int/hr/PDF/ESA-VN-ESTEC-2009-210c1.pdf
How to apply: Applications from external candidates for this post should preferably be made on-line at the ESA Web Site (www.esa.int/careers). Those unable to apply on-line should submit their CV to the Head of the Human Resources Division, ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk ZH (the Netherlands). ESA staff members wishing to apply for this post should fill in the Internal Application Form (http://ice.sso.esa.int/intranet/public/docs/vn/InternalApplication.doc) and email it to mailto:Apply2ESAC@esa.int
Closing date for application: 18 January 2010
Computer Engineer in the context of the ESA Mars Express mission (Verrières le Buisson, Paris outskirts, France)
- Title: Computer Engineer in the context of the ESA Mars Express mission
Institute: CNRS / LATMOS
Location: Verrières le Buisson, Paris outskirts, France
Duration: 1 year, renewable 2 times
Qualification: Engineering diploma or equivalent. - Programming Languages (skills in IDL, C and Fortran are much appreciated) - Environments Windows, Unix, Linux. - Good English skills (teleconferences, oral presentations, written report) - Good Organization and management skills. - High concern for quality and thoroughness of work - Pro-activity and communication with the scientific team and data users. Desired (though optional) skills: - Some Knowledge in signal processing, physics, mathematics - Experience in the treatment of spectroscopic data - Knowledge in astronomy and/or physics of the atmosphere Others: - Availability for intra-Europe travels
Duties: The IMPEC team at the LATMOS laboratory (Verrières le Buisson, Paris outskirts, France) is actively looking for an Engineer (research engineer level,French CNRS classification) to work in the context of the ESA missions Mars Express and Venus Express. The LATMOS is responsible of both instrument; SPICAM and the SPICAV, which consist of three spectrometers (UV, NIR and IR) designed for the survey of Mars and Venus atmospheres (Mars Express mission is in orbit around Mars since December 25, 2003 while Venus Express orbits around Venus since April 2006). Within a team of 2-3 other engineers, the candidate shall contribute mainly to: -commanding of the SPICAM instrument observations (pointing determination and planning); -downloading, pre-processing, archiving and delivering of data and software tools; He/She will also help develop software data processing and writing associated documentation. Start Date : as soon as possible. Annual Income: ~ 28k €, non-negotiable subject to rules at CNRS, adjustments function of qualifications and experience. Location: LATMOS, Verrieres (91) until February-March 2010 and then in Guyancourt (78), after laboratory relocation.
Website: http://latmos.ipsl.fr
Contact: Aurélie Reberac and Franck Montmessin
How to apply: For more information on the position, or for sending your application (CV + cover letter): Aurelie.Reberac@ latmos.ipsl.fr with copy to Franck.Montmessin@latmos.ipsl.fr
Postdoctoral position in the planetary science (Paris, France)
- Title: Postdoctoral position in the planetary science
Institute: Observatoire de Paris (LESIA)
Location: Paris, France
Duration: 2-3 years
Qualification: Preference will be given to applicants with experience in thermal infrared photometry observations and reduction techniques and/or in trans-neptunian objects science.
Duties: Applications are opened for a Postdoctoral Research position within the planetary science group of Observatoire de Paris (LESIA). The position is in relation with the Herschel Key Program observations of trans-neptunian objects. Starting in the fall of 2009, about 140 objects will be observed at thermal wavelengths with Herschel (mainly the PACS instrument), in order to determine their size, albedo, and thermophysical properties, for a total of 370 observing hours. The successful applicant will participate in the reduction, modelling, and interpretation of the data. A significant fraction of the task will include archiving of the observations and their science products, ensuring their availability to the community.
Website: http://www.lesia.obspm.fr/-Stages-emplois-.html?id_emploi=54
Contact: emmanuel.lellouch@obspm.fr
How to apply: Send a CV to Emmanuel Lelouch
Closing date for application: December 2009
Research engineer in computing applied physics (Paris, France)
- Title: Research engineer in computing applied physics
Institute: LATMOS
Location: Paris, France
Duration: 18 months
Qualification: He/she should have a formation in computing science, applied mathematic and a solid formation in plasma physics.
Duties: The LATMOS is looking for an engineer/post-doctorant in order to participate to a project supported by French National Research Agency (project HELIOARES) dedicated to the modelling of Mars’ environment. The position is dedicated to the changes of a magnetospheric hybrid code developed in LATMOS in order to adapt it to the coupling with the exospheric and thermospheric models. It is essentially a computing science work. The candidate will have to understand the main objectives of the magnetospheric hybrid model. He/she will have to understand the nature of the hybrid code and to get familiar with its algorithm. He/she will have to change the algorithm and program in order to parallelize the program. The goals of this task will be to significantly reduce the computing time of the hybrid simulation so that a decrease of the grid size close to the planet will be possible. The candidate will be in charge to check all these changes and will have the task to document them. At the end, the candidate will have to conceive and realize an user interface for this program. The candidate will work at the LATMOS (Paris and/or Verrières-Guyancourt) during the first year and a half of this project. The length of the contract will be 18 months, ideally starting from December 2009, but later start can be accepted.
Website: http://www.latmos.ipsl.fr
How to apply: Please contact francois.leblanc@latmos.ipsl.fr and/or ronan.modolo@latmos.ipsl.fr for further information.
Closing date for application: December 2009
Post-doctoral position in atmospheric and plasma space sciences (Paris, France)
- Title: Post-doctoral position in atmospheric and plasma space sciences
Institute: LATMOS
Location: Paris, France
Duration: 18 months
Qualification: He/she should have a PhD in physics and preferentially a good experience in space physics and planetology. An experience of Mars atmosphere and magnetosphere will be highly appreciated. He/she should have also a good experience in computing science.
Duties: The LATMOS is looking for a post-doctoral candidate who will participate to a project supported by French National Research Agency (project HELIOARES) dedicated to the modelling of Mars’ environment. This contract will be dedicated to develop an exospheric model in order to integrate a multi-species atmosphere, to properly take into account thermal and non-thermal components of the exosphere and to couple this model to the thermospheric model. The candidate will have to understand the main objectives of the exospheric model, its structure and application to the case of Mars. He/she will have to conceive a new algorithm in order to take into account a multi-species atmosphere (in order to treat all type of collisions between thermal and non-thermal particles). In order to describe the main components of the Martian exosphere, he/she will have to integrate all sources of non-thermal atomic and molecular species in the upper Martian atmosphere (photo-chemistry, sputtering, chemical exothermic reactions and charge exchange). The candidate will then have to understand the outputs from both the thermospheric and magnetospheric models and to find the best method to integrate them in the exospheric model. The candidate will work at the LATMOS (Paris and/or Verrières-Guyancourt) during a period of one year and a half starting at the beginning of this project. The length of the contract will be 18 months, ideally starting from December 2009, but later start can be accepted.
Website: http://www.latmos.ipsl.fr
How to apply: Please contact francois.leblanc@latmos.ipsl.fr and/or ronan.modolo@latmos.ipsl.fr further information.
Closing date for application: December 2009
Postdoctoral Position in space instrumentation (University of Colorado at Boulder, USA)
- Title: Postdoctoral Position in space instrumentation
Institute: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Location: University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
Duration: 1 year - possible extension for up to 3 years
Qualification: The Colorado Center for Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Studies at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Position in space instrumentation to start in early 2010. The position is for a period of 1 year, with a possible extension for up to 3 years, depending on the availability of funding. Please see our web pages for a description of our research program (http://lasp.colorado.edu/ccldas). The candidate is expected to be capable of independently conducting laboratory experiments, designing and building mechanical and electronics components, computer driven data acquisition systems, and have a good working knowledge of a programming language for the analysis of experimental data.
Duties: The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree and is expected to support our existing research projects to develop dust instrumentation relevant for the lunar surface, and the study of the physics of hypervelocity dust impacts in preparation for applications for future planetary missions.
Website: http://lasp.colorado.edu/employment/postdoc/RA100509.html
How to apply: Applicants should consult www.jobsatcu.com for posting #808460 and follow instructions. Please direct inquiries to Mihaly.Horanyi@colorado.edu. For full consideration, all application materials, including 3 names to provide letters of references, should be received by December 31, 2009.
Closing date for application: 31 December 2009
Planetary physicist at a posdoctoral level (Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany)
- Title: Planetary physicist at a posdoctoral level
Institute: Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS)
Location: Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Duration: 1 year with possible extension in case of good performance
Qualification: Applicants should have a Ph. D. degree in physics or related discipline. An experience of working with imaging space experiments and/or data analysis especially in the field of atmospheric physics will be an advantage. Good knowledge of English is required.
Duties: The Planetary Department of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) leads the Venus Monitoring Camera (VMC) experiment onboard the ESA's Venus Express spacecraft that had been in orbit around Venus for more than three years. VMC takes images of the planet investigating its dynamic atmosphere. We are looking for a planetary physicist at a postdoctoral level to work with the VMC data, in particular, in the field of cloud properties and meteorology. Successful candidate will be also involved in planning of observations and to a minor extent in operations. The position is available from 01.01.2010 for one year and will be extended in case of good performance. Salary will be in a form of a tax free stipend with value in range 1600-2300 Euro per month depending on experience and qualification.
Contact: Dr. W.J. Markiewicz (markiewicz@mps.mpg.de)
How to apply: Application should include a CV and a list of publications. The Max Planck Society wants to increase the number of women in all sectors where they are underrepresented. Therefore women are explicitly invited to apply. The Max Planck Society strives to employ more handicapped persons and encourages applications from such persons. Applications should be sent to: Dr. W.J. Markiewicz, Max-Planck-Institut for Solar System Research, Max-Planck-Str. 2, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany. E-mail applications are also accepted at markiewicz@mps.mpg.de
Closing date for application: December 2009
Post-doctoral Position Minor bodies in Solar System (Granada / Spain)
- Title: Post-doctoral Position Minor bodies in Solar System
Institute: Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía / Solar System Department
Location: Granada / Spain
Duration: 1 year - possibilitity to be extended up to a total of 2 years
Qualification: The Solar System Department at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (www.iaa.es) of the Consejo Superior de investigaciones Científicas (www.csic.es) offers a postdoctoral position (i.e. contract) for 1 year - after a positive evaluation at the 6th month – and to be extended up to a total of 2 years -after yearly positive evaluations-. The selected candidate will have to start the contract no later than 2 months after the final resolution is made public.
Duties: The work to be carried out by the selected candidate is in general related to minor bodies in the Solar System (asteroids, comet, satellites, and TNOs) and/or planetary atmospheres. This wide research field has to be preferably focused on any of (or all of) these topics: ● The analysis of the PACS and SPIRE (instruments on board the Herschel Space Observatory) observations of the Trans Neptunian Objects (TNOs), ● Composition models of TNOS and implications for the existence of atmospheres or exospheres on them. ● Scientific exploitation of OSIRIS (optical camera on board the Rosetta Mission, ESA). ● Planetary atmospheres: chemical composition and dynamics.
Website: http://www.iaa.es/empleo/ofertas.html
Contact: Dr Luisa M. Lara (lara@iaa.csic.es, +41 31 631 8645)
How to apply: Interested applicants should fill the page 8 in the *.pdf file at http://www.iaa.es/empleo/ofertas.html (last announcement “Convocatoria 4 de agosto 2009”) and attach to the application the following documentation: 1. CV 2. A brief introduction of the research the candidate has done and what the candidate would like to do in his/her scientific career. 3. Copy of the PhD degree 4. Copy of the Master degree 5. Copy of the University degree where the different subjects studied and the marks are explicitly listed 6. Copy of the passport This has to be sent to M.A. Cortés Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía -CSIC Camino Bajo de Huétor 50 18008Granada Spain
Vacancy in Kinetics of Planetary Rings (Postdam, Germany)
- Title: Vacancy in Kinetics of Planetary Rings
Institute: University of Postdam
Location: Postdam, Germany
Duration: 3 years
Qualification: We (Potsdam group) seek for a competent young theoretician who will be responsible for improving the existing kinetic model on the base of of the laboratory experiments carried out in Braunschweig. This 3 year graduate student position comes with a salary of 75% of a full scientist position.
Duties: With experimental and theoretical studies we aim at the derivation of a kinetic theory of aggregation, restitution and fragmentation of agglomerate ensembles in Planetary Rings. We plan to achieve this goal in an iterative collaboration between the experimental group at the university Braunschweig (Prof. Dr. J. Blum) and the theorists of the Potsdam Rings group (Prof. Dr. F. Spahn). Great effort will be devoted to the experimental determination of collisional parameters of ice at low temperatures - restitution coefficient, adhesive contact energy etc. - which in turn enter the kernels of the kinetic equations of the theoretical model.
Website: http://www.agnld.uni-potsdam.de/~frank/
Contact: fspahn@agnld.uni-potsdam.de
How to apply: Applications please send to below address asap (no later than middle November 2009) - we plan to start the work latest 1.1.2010! Electronically applications are preferred. Prof. Dr. Frank Spahn Universitat Potsdam Karl-Liebknecht Str.24/25, Haus 28, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm Tel.: +49-331-977 1696 Fax: +49-331-977 1142
Closing date for application: Middle November 2009
PhD Student / Composition of the Local Interstellar Gas with IBEX / NASA (Bern, Switzerland)
- Title: PhD Student / Composition of the Local Interstellar Gas with IBEX / NASA
Institute: Universität Bern, Physikalisches Institut
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Qualification: The position requires a diploma or master's degree in Physics,Astrophysics, or Space Science with excellent grades. We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual who enjoys scientific software development and has data analysis skills. Experience with high-level programming languages and ability to work with large datasets is needed,in addition to some basic knowledge of relevant space plasma physics. The position requires a high motivation to work in an international collaboration and excellent communication skills. Proficiency in spoken and written English are prerequisites for the project, German language knowledge is of advantage for the teaching assistance.
Duties: NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission was launched in October of 2008 and by July 2009 has completed the first all-sky map of interstellar Energetic Neutral Atoms. In addition to the imaging capabilities of the spacecraft, the IBEX-Lo instrument returns a mass measurement (time-of-flight technique) for every particle detected. Since launch we have accumulated a large dataset with enough statistics to detect minor components of the neutral atom population and the local interstellar medium. The University of Bern is looking for a motivated PhD student to work with this dataset, and perform advanced numerical and statistical analysis. The candidate will also work with calibration measurements performed in the MEFISTO laboratory at the University of Bern, and be a part of the Swiss contribution to the ongoing IBEX mission of NASA.
Contact: Dr. Lukas Saul saul@space.unibe.ch
How to apply: Applicants should send a complete CV and contact information of 2 or 3 references to: Dr. Lukas Saul Physikalisches Insitut, Universität Bern Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012 Bern
Closing date for application: 18 October 2009
Post-doctoral position in Space Physics (Uppsala, Sweden)
- Title: Post-doctoral position in Space Physics
Institute: Swedish Institute of Space Physics
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: 1,5 years
Qualification: Candidates should have completed a PhD during 2006 or later. However, if the candidate has an older degree and wants to refer to special circumstances, such as parental leave, this should be clearly stated. The candidate should not currently be an active researcher at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala or the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University, Sweden.
Duties: Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position for studies of the magnetosphere of Saturn and/or its interaction with the moons, e.g. Titan, or the E-ring using instruments onboard the Cassini spacecraft. We presently focus on how microphysical plasma processes affect large-scale processes, with emphasis on the cold (< 10 eV) plasma processes and/or low frequency (< 7 kHz) plasma wave processes. Our group has contributed the Langmuir probe (LP) system to the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument package on Cassini. We work with data from all instruments within RPWS as well as with data from other instruments on Cassini, although our emphasis is on science derived from the RPWS sensors (LP, magnetic search coil, electric field antenna). The successful candidate will be involved in extensive international collaboration. Analysis of data is an important part of the work and experience in combining advanced data analysis with theoretical modelling is an advantage. Interest and experience in development of instrumental techniques and methods will likewise be positively valued, and so will experience in coordination of scientific activities.
Website: http://www.irfu.se
Contact: Jan-Erik Wahlund (jwe@irfu.se)
How to apply: The position is available at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, located at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden, from the second half of 2009 for 1.5 years, with a possible extension. The position is funded by a grant from the Swedish Research Council (VR) and by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF). Applications should include a CV, a short letter stating the applicant’s research interests and relevant experience, copies of undergraduate and PhD degree certificates, description and proof of previous post-doctoral positions and/or similar relevant research work (if available), names and contact information for two professional references, and reprints of not more than 4 selected publications. Applications should be sent to Anita Rogelius (ar@irfu.se, Tel. +46-18-4715901) at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Uppsala, Box 537, SE-751 21 Uppsala, Sweden. Associate professor Jan-Erik Wahlund (jwe@irfu.se, Tel. +46-18-471 5946) manages the Cassini project at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Uppsala.
Closing date for application: October 5, 2009.
ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science (ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESAC near Madrid, Spain.)
- Title: ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science
Institute: ESA
Location: ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESAC near Madrid, Spain.
Duration: 2 years
Duties: The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year. The aim of these fellowships is to provide young scientists, holding a PhD or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing space science research in fields related to the ESA Science Programme. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo,near Madrid, Spain.
Website: http://www.rssd.esa.int/fellowship
Contact: Dr. Guido De Marchi fellowship@rssd.esa.int
How to apply: More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can be found on the world-wide web at this address:http://www.rssd.esa.int/fellowship Questions on the scientific aspects of the ESA Fellowship Programme in Space Science not answered in the above pages can be sent by e-mail to the fellowship coordinator, Dr. Guido De Marchi, at the address fellowship@rssd.esa.int
Closing date for application: 1 October 2009
Ph. D Student position in Engineering Physics (Daytona Beach, Florida, USA)
- Title: Ph. D Student position in Engineering Physics
Institute: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Physical Science Departement
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Duration: 4-5 years
Qualification: Students with M.Sci -degree in space physics, plasma physics, engineering physics or related fields are qualified to apply. The candidate is expected to have experience with IDL or MATLAB, and Fortran or c++, and UNIX or LINUX operating systems and should have taken undergraduate courses in space physics and/or plasma physics.
Duties: The Physical Sciences Department seeks applications for a Ph.D student position in Engineering Physics. This special position will be full time research for the first year and then begin the formal PhD program in Fall 2010. The student is expected to undertake analysis of Cluster and Themis spacecraft data in magnetosheath and magnetospheric boundary layers combined with theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. Applications from women and other under-represented populations in engineering and physics are strongly encouraged. The successful candidate will work under supervision of Dr. Katariina Nykyri and is provided with a 20,000 USD/year stipend for living expenses and a free tuition. The student is supported to participate annually in Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco and Geospace Environment Modelling Workshop (GEM) in Colorado.
Contact: Dr. Katariina Nykyri
How to apply: Qualified applicants must submit a letter of application, GRE-results, TOEFL results (if a foreign student), a curriculum vita, and a list of 3 references electronically to nykyrik@erau.edu. Review of applications will start immediately. For further questions contact: Katariina Nykyri, Department of Physical Sciences Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 226-6714 (386) 226-6621 fax
Closing date for application: The research position can be started as soon as 1st of September, 2009.
Research Associate (Post-doctoral) in Planetary Astronomy (Leicester, UK)
- Title: Research Associate (Post-doctoral) in Planetary Astronomy
Institute: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester
Location: Leicester, UK
Duration: Fixed Term Contract for 3 years
Qualification: Candidates should hold (or expect shortly to hold) a PhD in a relevant research area. Salary Grade 7 - £30,594 to £35,469 p.a. Available from 1 October 2009.
Duties: An STFC funded position is available to analyse the infrared aurorae on Jupiter and Saturn. The project is a multi-faceted investigation of the aurorae of the Gas Giant planets. In order to properly understand the interaction between the upper atmosphere, the ionosphere and the surrounding space environment at these planets, it is essential to use a combination of imaging and spectroscopy to analyse the aurorae. As such, this project will use both ground and space based observations. Our ongoing ground based observing programme consist of both imaging and spectroscopic measurements using some of the world's leading infrared telescopes, including Keck, VLT, UKIRT and a long-term programme with NASA's IRTF. These allow us to investigate the conditions of the upper atmosphere, as well as the currents flowing through the ionosphere that interact with the surrounding magnetosphere. We also have an ongoing collaboration with the Cassini-VIMS instrument team, analysing spectral images taken of Saturn's aurora. These images are compared with in-situ measurements made other instruments on Cassini, providing unprecedented details never before seen. We are also involved in planned the extended Cassini mission, in order to help produce future VIMS observations.
Website: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/personnel
How to apply: Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr. Tom Stallard on tss@ion.le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3589. Between 27th - 31st July 2009, informal telephone inquires should be made to Prof. Stan Cowley on 0116 223 1331. For further information and to apply on-line, please visit our website: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/personnel Ref: SEN00011
Closing date for application: 05 August 2009
Postdoctoral Research Assistant position in the Planetary Atmospheres Dynamics Group (Oxford, UK)
- Title: Postdoctoral Research Assistant position in the Planetary Atmospheres Dynamics Group
Institute: Dept. of Physics (Atmospheric, Oceanic & Planetary Physics), University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, UK
Duration: 2-3 years
Qualification: The candidate should preferably have experience in atmospheric or oceanic modelling and ideally some knowledge of planetary atmospheres, cloud modelling and/or geophysical fluid dynamics. The post is available for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further three years. Grade 7: Salary £28,839 - £35,469 (with discretionary range to £38,757 p.a.)
Duties: The initial focus of this STFC-funded project will be to develop and exploit large-scale, high resolution numerical models of the tropospheres and stratospheres of Jupiter and Saturn, based on the UK Met Office Unified Model, including the effects of radiative forcing and moist convection, and the formation and transport of clouds of ammonia and water condensates. The successful candidate will investigate the role of turbulent processes in forming zonal bands and other features for comparison with observations from space missions such as Cassini and New Horizons. Applicants should have a doctorate in atmospheric science or a related field and have good computer skills (knowledge of UNIX/Linux, IDL, FORTRAN or another high-level language would be highly advantageous).
Website: http://www.atm.ox.ac.uk
Contact: read@atm.ox.ac.uk
How to apply: Please contact Prof. Peter Read read@atm.ox.ac.uk with further questions. For further details and how to apply please see our website.
Closing date for application: 24 July 2009
Post-Doctoral Scientist (Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany)
- Title: Post-Doctoral Scientist
Institute: Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung
Location: Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Duration: 2 years / immediatetly available
Qualification: We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with a PhD in physics or a related discipline, and a thorough background in dynamical modelling, in particular charged particle dynamics. Experience in dust or magnetospheric research, a strong interest in data analysis, as well as knowledge of IDL and/or statistical analysis techniques would be advantageous.
Duties: The project is located in the field of cosmic dust research and is particularly focussed on the analysis and modelling of interstellar dust measurements obtained with the Ulysses spacecraft. Existing models for the heliospheric dust interaction will have to be adopted as well as new modelling techniques be developped. The position is funded by the German Research Organisation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft - DFG) and the remuneration will be according to the German tariff for public employees (TVöD). The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Handicapped persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status
Contact: Harald Krüger - krueger{at}mps.mpg.de.
How to apply: Applications should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a letter of motivation, as well as the contact information of two referees. Electronic applications are encouraged and should be sent as a single PDF file before 1 July 2009 to: krueger{at}mps.mpg.de. Those unable to apply online should send their application to: PD Dr. Harald Krüger Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung Max-Planck-Straße 2 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau Germany
Closing date for application: 1 July 2009
Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (University of Berne, Switzerland)
- Title: Post-Doctoral Research Assistant
Institute: Space Research and Planetology Division
Location: University of Berne, Switzerland
Duration: Maximum 4 years
Duties: BE is involved in several major space projects (e.g. Rosetta, BepiColombo, and Herschel). Within the remote-sensing group, a position is available for a PDRA to support modelling and/or data analysis for these projects. A broad search is being conducted. Topics of particular interest at present are: - rarefied gas dynamics (modelling) - light scattering by aerosols/surfaces (modelling and experiment) - topographic analysis using altimetry (data analysis and experiment)
Website: http://www.staff.unibe.ch/thomas/positions.htm
How to apply: Applications should be made c/o Ms. Kathrin Weyeneth, Physikalisches Institut, Universitaet Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern.
Closing date for application: 30 June 2009
Vacancy in the Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration (ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.)
- Title: Vacancy in the Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration
Institute: European Space Agency (ESA)
Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Qualification: Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent degree in physics, space physics, planetary sciences or astronomy, together with a good publication record demonstrating original scientific research. Applicants must have a proven record in the organisation of scientific projects in an international environment, and possess deep knowledge and experience in all phases of a space mission. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in the management and leadership of scientific teams within the scientific community in an international environment, preferably including the development of space hardware. Good communication skills are essential. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required, together with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another member state language is an asset.
Duties: The postholder will report directly to the Head of the Research and Scientific Support Department and will have responsibility for the provision of scientific support to the Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate’s solar system science and robotic exploration missions throughout all mission phases. In performing the tasks, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with all other elements of the Department and Directorate, including the Astrophysics Missions Division, the Science Operations Department, the Projects Department and the Coordination Offices for science and exploration.
Website: http://www.esa.int/hr/PDF/ESA-VN-ESTEC-2009-122.pdf
How to apply: Applications from external candidates for this post should preferably be made on-line at the ESA Web Site (www.esa.int/careers). Those unable to apply on-line should submit their CV to the Head of the Human Resources Division, ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk ZH (The Netherlands). ESA staff members wishing to apply for this post should fill in the Internal Application Form and email it to Apply2ESTEC
Closing date for application: 16 June 2009
5 PhD and 3 Post-doc positions (DLR, Germany)
- Title: 5 PhD and 3 Post-doc positions
Institute: Institute of Planetary Research
Location: DLR, Germany
Duration: 3 years / Beginning: 1 April 2009
Qualification: Candidates for the Post-doc positions must have a recent Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, geophysics,geosciences, or planetary sciences. In addition experience in one or several of the fields listed above are required. Programming skills in languages such as FORTRAN, MatLab®, or scripting languages in a UNIX environment are desirable. Candidates for the PhD positions must have a university degree in one of the natural sciences,applied mathematics, or computer sciences. A strong interest for planetary sciences and willingness to participate in an interdisciplinary researchenvironment is beneficial. English and German are working languages in the research department.
Duties: The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. . DLR) is Germany.s national research center for aeronautics and space and Germany.s space agency. Its extensive research and development work are in Aeronautics, Space,Transportation and Energy. Approximately 5,600 people are employed at thirteen locations in Germany. We invite applications for 5 PhD and 3 Post-doc positions at the Institute of Planetary Research of DLR (German Aerospace Center) Berlin, Germany. The position will be funded by the Helmholtz-Society through the Research Alliance .Planetary Evolution and Life.. The Alliance is led and managed by the DLR Institute of Planetary Research. The projects are part of a Research Alliance with scientists from various fields aiming to gain a better understanding of the evolution of habitability of terrestrial planets. Post-doc and PhD students will profit from an extensive training programme including soft skills.
Website: http://www.europlanet-ri.eu/pages/jobs/docs/DLR_18.03.2008.pdf
Contact: Tilman Spohn - tilman.spohn{at}dlr.de
How to apply: Applicants should send a statement of research interest, a curriculum vitae with a list of publications, names of three referees and the relevant certifications
Closing date for application: 1 April 2009
Postdoctoral position on modeling of exoplanet atmospheres (Bordeaux, France)
- Title: Postdoctoral position on modeling of exoplanet atmospheres
Institute: Laboratoire d'Astrophysique
Location: Bordeaux, France
Duration: 2 years
Qualification: Applicant must have a recent PhD in astrophysics or planetary science, with an experience in atmospheres, radiative transfer and computing.
Duties: The Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux (CNRS, University of Bordeaux, France) is opening a postdoc position. The candidate will work under the supervision of Franck Selsis on the modeling of exoplanet atmospheres. This work will be part of the program E3ARTHS (Exoplanet & Early Earth Atmospheric Research: THeories & Simulations), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The goal of this program is to develop a versatile modeling package including radiative transfer, photochemistry, 3D climate for the broad variety of conditions expected in terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres (in terms of surface pressure, atmospheric composition, stellar irradiation). This postdoc will be dedicated to the radiative transfer modeling with the Phoenix code, in collaboration with Peter Hauschildt (Hamburg). Other modeling tools will be available. The purpose is to compute radiative fluxes in the UV to far-IR range self-consistently with the pressure-temperature vertical structure. This model will be used for photochemical and climate/habitability studies as well as for exoplanet spectral characterization. Applicant must have a recent PhD in astrophysics or planetary science, with an experience in atmospheres, radiative transfer and computing. The net salary is around 2200 ./month and includes social security/health insurance. The position will be offered for an initial period of 2 years, with possibility of extension. The position will start as soon as possible, and not after march 2009.
Contact: selsis@obs.u-bordeaux1.fr
How to apply: Applications including CV, a list of publications and a statement of research interest and at least 2 letters of recommendation must be sent by e-mail or posted mail to Frank Selsis
Closing date for application: March 2009
Postdoctoral position in Titan climate modelling (Paris, France)
- Title: Postdoctoral position in Titan climate modelling
Institute: Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique
Location: Paris, France
Qualification: PhD in atmospheric or planetary sciences, good knowledge in atmospheric physics, preferably experience in climate modelling with GCMs - good skills in computing are required (languages, unix environments) This position will be available for a start in early 2009, for 18 months.
Duties: The planetary science team of the Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique (Institut Pierre Simon Laplace) based on the Jussieu Campus in the heart of Paris, France, is working on the development of Global Climate Models (GCM) able to simulate the climates of Mars, Venus and Titan. Our GCM of Titan has been extensively used in its 2-dimensional restriction, with many successes. In particular, the super-rotation of the zonal winds was predicted before the arrival of the Cassini-Huygens mission, and the predicted wind field compare quite well with the observations. This is also true for the structure of the haze layer or the distribution of compounds in the stratosphere. It is currently under development in order to extend its capabilities. For this post-doctoral position, the objective is to extend the GCM vertically into the mesosphere. Once the needed modifications are done, the GCM will allow detailed studies of the mesosphere. At these altitudes, a complex photochemistry occurs, and is interacting with both the circulation and the aerosol layer. The study will include the waves activity, exchanges processes between mesosphere and upper stratosphere, the ability of the model to reproduce Cassini observations of the composition and aerosols in the mesosphere, the impact on the composition and aerosol distribution in the upper stratosphere.
Contact: sllmd@lmd.jussieu.fr
How to apply: Applicants can send their letter of interest, curriculum vitae and contact information to: Sebastien Lebonnois sllmd@lmd.jussieu.fr
Closing date for application: Early 2009
Postdoctoral position on the laboratory study of complex organics of relevance to Titan (Tucson, USA)
- Title: Postdoctoral position on the laboratory study of complex organics of relevance to Titan
Institute: University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, USA
Qualification: Candidates should send a letter of appliSuitable candidates must have a strong background in vacuum technology, planetary science or analytical/physical chemistry with preferential experience in gas phase organic reaction mechanisms and photochemistry, high resolution mass spectrometry, complex mixt
Duties: Two postdoctoral openings are announced in the laboratory of Prof. Mark A. Smith and Dr. Hiroshi Imanaka in the Chemistry and Planetary Sciences Departments at the University of Arizona beginning in early 2009. The work involves the laboratory study of complex organic molecule production under conditions analogous to the environment of Saturn.s moon, Titan. Using electron beam and EUV-UV irradiation, radical and ion pathways to the production of gaseous organics and primary aerosols are investigated using low and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Of particular interest are the mechanisms of nitrogen fixation, condensate photochemical aging and hydrolytic evolution for the generation of CHNO prebiological compounds and structural resolution of complex aerosol mixtures. This work is part of a new National Astrobiology Institute effort principally involving groups at University of Arizona, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech as well as others http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/teams/can5/jpl-titan.
Website: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/teams/can5/jpl-titan
Contact: http://chem.arizona.edu/smith
How to apply: Candidates should send a letter of application with CV to Dr. Mark A. Smith, Department of Chemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 and arrange to have three letters of recommendation indepe
Closing date for application: Early 2009
Postdoctoral position in space plasma physics (Helsinki, Finland)
- Title: Postdoctoral position in space plasma physics
Institute: Finnish Meteorological Institute
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: one year, with a second year contingent upon performance.
Qualification: Previous experience with programming would be desirable. Familiarity with any of the following would be an advantage; C/C++, LINUX, particle-in-cell simulations, parallel computing, computer graphics, numerical algorithms.
Duties: Space Research Group at the Finnish Meteorological Institute seeks to fill a research position in kinetic space plasma physic simulations. The candidate would be expected to participate in global kinetic modeling of the solar/stellar wind interaction with a planet/exoplanet using numerical quasi-neutral hybrid simulation. We seek a candidate who will take the leading role to develop and to apply the hybrid model to interpret ongoing exoplanet remote sensing observations (COROT). The successful candidate would be expected to collaborate closely with Space Research Group in the research areas including (1) the quasi-neutral hybrid modeling of the solar wind interaction with Mercury, Venus, the Moon and Mars, and (2) using the model to interpret ongoing plasma and magnetic field measurements (MEX, VEX). The successful candidates are expected to collaborate with the Space Physics Group in the current reasearch areas. It is expected that all positions include tasks related to simulations and/or their results and observational analysis. Previous experience with numerical and/or observational space physics is an advantage. Familiarity with any of the following is an advantage: C/C++, LINUX, parallel computing, supercomputer environment, numerical algorithms.
Contact: esa.kallio@fmi.fi
How to apply: For specifics about the position, contact Dr. Esa Kallio (+358-9-1929-4636, esa.kallio@fmi.fi). Interested candidates should send his/her CV, publications list and a list of three references
Closing date for application: The position is available from 1 September 2008. Applications will be accepted until the position is
