Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Planetary Field Geology

The Dreamscape Discovery Initiative (DDI) and the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Planetary Field Geology as enabled by virtual reality.

Applications are invited for one postdoctoral position to work in collaboration with DDI Director Kip Hodges.

The Dreamscape Discovery Initiative (DDI) at Arizona State University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join an active and growing research cohort with a focus on developing extremely high-resolution digital replications of natural planetary landscapes, enhancing them with handheld or embedded geochemical sensor data, rendering the enhanced models as virtual environments such that planetary scientists can conduct field geologic research within them, and exploring the efficacy of this approach to observational field geology as compared to established field science methodology. While collaborating on established DDI projects involving lunar, Martian, and terrestrial analog datasets, the appointee will have ample opportunity to develop and lead original immersive reality research of their own design.

Essential Duties

Developing extremely high-resolution digital replications of natural planetary landscapes, enhancing them with handheld or embedded geochemical sensor data, rendering the enhanced models as virtual environments such that planetary scientists can conduct field geologic research within them, and exploring the efficacy of this approach to observational field geology as compared to established field science methodology.

Although DDI is a pan-university initiative, this appointment will be based in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE), an interdisciplinary academic unit bringing together all of Earth and space science including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and geology.  Read more about SESE at https://sese.asu.edu .

The initial appointment is for one year and is eligible for subsequent annual renewal for up to one additional year contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of funding resources. The estimated start date is September 1, 2024. This position comes with a competitive salary and benefits.

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University ,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu .

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Ph.D. or DSc in geological sciences, natural sciences, or earth and space sciences, or closely related field by the start date. Candidates must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.
•  A background in either observational field geoscience or field planetary science.
• Commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Desired qualifications include:

• Familiarity with the use of photogrammetric methods to develop 3D models of outcrops or landscapes on Earth or other planetary surfaces.
• A growing publication record in major international journals.
• Strong computational skills and a willingness to expand those skills into the realm of 3D visualization.
• Experience in research management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task, allocate resources, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in problem-solving and decision-making, evidence of organizational skills and flexibility, and proactively anticipating requirements and potential challenges.
• Willingness to collaborate on the development of new projects and assist in writing proposals to garner external support for those projects.

To apply, please submit to http://apply.interfolio.com/143048 to include the following:

• A cover letter
• Contact information (name, address, email address) for three references familiar with the candidate’s work.
• A curriculum vitae with a publication list.
• A 1-2-page statement of why this particular opportunity is of interest.

• A statement of past research accomplishments and future research goals (Three pages or less).

The deadline for the initial review of complete applications will be April 18, 2024.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation https://graduate.asu.edu/postdocs/welcome-postdocs

A background check is required for employment. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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