Postdoctoral Associate - Rice Space Institute
About The Position
The Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability (CPO2H) of the Rice Space Institute is seeking a postdoctoral associate to conduct independent research advancing the center’s scientific mission. Research may address topics across planetary science, including planetary-system formation and evolution; life-essential elements on planets; interactions between planets and their host stars; comparative planetology; planetary interiors and surface environments; planetary surface processes; Earth history; the emergence of life; and the coupled evolution of life and planetary environments. Applicants with cutting-edge research records in Earth and planetary sciences, astrobiology, astronomy/astrophysics, or space science are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will collaborate with Rice University Earth and planetary scientists, astrophysicists, and space physicists, using approaches such as observations, laboratory experiments, geochemical and cosmochemical analyses, theory, and numerical models. The candidate is likely to be hosted in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences or the Department of Physics & Astronomy, but may be affiliated with any Rice department and collaborate with any member of the Rice community. The appointment is for two years and may be renewed for a third year depending on funding availability, progress, and performance. The start date is negotiable, with a preference for an early 2027 start. Initial annual salary will be comparable to other Earth and planetary science, astronomy, and astrobiology prize fellowships and is subject to annual review and adjustment. Research support is provided for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae with publications, a two-page statement of research interests and past accomplishments, and at least three recommendation letters. Application materials should be sent by applicants and referees to [email protected]. The deadline is November 30, 2026.
Requirements
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Planetary Science, Geophysics, Astrobiology, Astrophysics, Space Physics, or a related field by the time of appointment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a team, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction.
- Excellent time-management skills.
- Submit a curriculum vitae with publications, a two-page research statement covering interests and past accomplishments, and at least three letters of recommendation.
Nice To Haves
- Preference for candidates whose PhD was completed no earlier than December 2022.
- A record of cutting-edge research in a sub-discipline of Earth and planetary sciences, astrobiology, astronomy/astrophysics, or space science.
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research advancing the Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability’s scientific mission.
- Collaborate with Rice University researchers in Earth and planetary sciences, astrophysics, and space physics.
- Perform experiments and analyze data.
- Publish and present research findings.
Benefits
- Support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
