|
Jobs at NASA
I just saw the following add. I though members might be interested to know what sort of research NASA undertakes other than space missions. The research has uses in studing the early Earth and it finding life elsewhere. Also note how poorly science is paid. To get one of these positions you will have done a minimum of 7 years at uni, and if your thesis and publications are at the appropriate standard you will have worked 24/7 for years. This will get you 12 months at $52,000. OK, you hope to progress to better positions but no one would do science for the money.
___________________________________ ____________
Two Post-doc positions in Astrobiology at NASA JPL, Caltech
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Postdoctoral Scholars Program at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) invites applicants to apply for two postdoctoral research posts at JPL in the Planetary Surface Instruments Group. Each post is supported by a NASA award. The two successful candidates, while having their own projects, will be expected to work in collaboration with team members in other institutions.
Topic 1, Mineral biosignatures.
This topic forms part of the work of the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) team, Wisconsin Astrobiology Research Consortium (U. Wisconsin, JPL and U. Georgia).
The aim of the research is to develop new biosignatures and paleoenvironmental proxies, with a focus on sulfate evaporite minerals. The planned work has two main strands. One seeks to compare the stable isotopic compositions of minerals formed by microbial oxidation of sulfides and the abiotic equivalents; another will make laboratory simulations of evaporation sequences and to use the isotopic data to constrain amount of water involved and the paleo-atmospheric-humidity. The biosignatures and paleoenvironmental indicators will be tested by application to the Río Tinto system, Spain. The candidate will be expected to work with other teams in JPL seeking to implement the research by developing in situ instruments for planetary exploration.
Topic 2, The Earth’s deepest hydrothermal vents.
The research is funded by the NASA program, Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP). The work is a collaboration between Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), JPL, the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and Duke University Marine Laboratory (DUML).
We used WHOI's Hybrid AUV-ROV, Nereus, and in 2009 identified three hydrothermal systems along the Earth's deepest mid-ocean ridge: the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center. The results of the research will be used to plan astrobiological exploration of any planetary body that can host hydrothermal circulation (for example, Jupiter’s moon, Europa). The research has two complementary aspects. The principal one concerns characterization of hydrothermal vent minerals and their geochemical and stable isotope compositions to contribute to understanding the present and past energy budgets of the system. The second involves working with the research team using a laboratory flow-through reactor system to simulate hydrothermal vent processes on the Early Earth.
The selected candidates will be guided by the JPL advisor, Dr. XXXXXXX [name deleted, but he is a well-known big nob], to ensure that the research work will result in publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in the last four years in geochemistry, astrobiology, biogeochemistry, geology, chemistry, environmental science (or other sciences). The Planetary Surface Instruments Group has a well-equipped stable isotope laboratory with a 253 mass spectrometer (with seven collectors) and many peripheral devices, including a UP-213 laser ablation device. A strong background in stable isotope science with practical experience of sample preparation methods and mass spectrometry is a prerequisite. The appointment is contingent upon evidence of completion of a Ph.D.
The annual starting salary for a recent Ph.D. is approximately US$52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant’s qualifications.
Postdoctoral scholars positions are awarded for a 1-year period. Appointments may be renewed in 1-year increments for a maximum addition of 2 years. The funding is in place and appointments can begin almost immediately.
|