Postdoctoral Associate - Rice Space Institute

Postdoctoral Associate - Rice Space Institute

Houston, TX, United States

JOB DESCRIPTION

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a Curriculum vitae with a list of publications, and a two-page statement of research interests and past research accomplishments. A minimum of least three letters of recommendation should be emailed separately to [email protected] .

Position Summary 

The Rice Space Institute is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral fellow to conduct independent research that contributes to the scientific mission of the recently established Center for Planet Formation, Evolution, and Habitability. The center's areas of interest span a broad range of topics, including the formation and evolution of planetary systems, the origin, delivery, distribution, and cycling of life-essential elements on planets, the interaction between planets and their host stars, comparative planetology, processes and properties of planetary interiors, and the interactions between the interiors and planetary surfaces. Scholars with a track record of interdisciplinary research in astronomy/astrophysics, Earth and planetary sciences, and space science are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact closely with Rice University Earth and planetary scientists, astrophysicists, and space physicists who are using observations, laboratory experiments, geo- and cosmochemical analyses, theory, and numerical models to study the dynamics of protoplanetary disks, planetary assembly, planet-star interaction, planetary differentiation from birth to matured planets, planetary surface processes, and surface-interior interactions.

The position is open to theoreticians, experimentalists, modelers and observational astronomy and Earth and planetary scientists. The successful candidate will be housed in either the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences or the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

The appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third year upon funding availability and based on progress and performance.

The initial annual salary for an RSI Postdoctoral Fellow is comparable to other Astronomy and Earth and Planetary Science prize fellowships and is subject to annual review and adjustment. In addition, the RSI Postdoctoral Fellow will receive support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs.

The start date is between July 1st and November 1st, 2024, and only applications received by April 15th, 2024, will be considered fully.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

No experience required

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.