Postdoctoral Associate - Rice Space Institute

Rice University • Houston, TX

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability (CPO2H) of the Rice Space Institute seeks a postdoctoral associate to conduct independent research advancing the center’s scientific mission. Its interests span planetary-system formation and evolution; life-essential elements on planets; planet–host-star interactions; comparative planetology; planetary interiors and 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 particularly encouraged.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Rice University Earth and planetary scientists, astrophysicists, and space physicists. Research may use observations, laboratory experiments, geochemical and cosmochemical analyses, theory, or numerical models. The postdoctoral associate will likely 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 anyone in the Rice community.

The appointment is for two years and may be renewed for a third year, depending on funding availability and progress and performance. The start date is negotiable, with an early-2027 start preferred. The 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. The researcher will also receive support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs. The position is exclusively on-site at 6100 Main Street.

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.

Nice To Haves

• A record of cutting-edge research in a sub-discipline of Earth and planetary sciences, astrobiology, astronomy/astrophysics, or space science.
• Completion of the PhD no earlier than December 2022 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research that advances the scientific mission of the Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability.
• Collaborate with Rice University scientists and other members of the Rice community.
• Perform experiments and analyze data.
• Publish and present research findings.

Benefits

• Support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree