Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JPL's Planetary Geology group is seeking a postdoc who will join them in the study of volatiles in lunar igneous rocks. The selected postdoc will focus on characterizing the texture of lunar samples, determining the mineral chemistry, measuring volatile abundances in minerals and glasses, and interpreting the volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample. This role involves collaboration with scientists at different institutions to place observations in regional context to answer questions about the Moon’s differentiation and evolution. The postdoc is expected to lead conference abstracts and associated presentations, and write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The successful applicant is also encouraged to design and conduct their own research that enhances the tasks above. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field
In-depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry
Experience in microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of lunar science
Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer-reviewed publications
Demonstrated experience in writing/developing research grants/proposals

Responsibilities

Characterizing the texture of lunar samples
Determining the mineral chemistry
Measuring volatile abundances in minerals and glasses
Interpreting the volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample
Collaboration with scientists at different institutions to place observations in regional context to answer questions about the Moon’s differentiation and evolution
Lead conference abstracts and associated presentations
Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
Design and conduct their own research that enhances the tasks above