Jobs at NASA

[AstralTraveller (David)]

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.

[citivolus (Ric)]

Interesting. As a comparison, most of the postdoc CSIRO positions I have seen lately are 73-80K.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I found out that NASA only employ US Citizens so Aussie need not apply. Also adds even Australian one usually say starting salary. Finally Australian wages are substantially higher than the rest of the world. Also it is a government agency. CSIRO essentially private organisation receiving funding from the Government via CRC.

That is why we get so many overseas employees here, very attractive compared to even a advance 1st world country like the US.

[Jazza (Jay)]

Originally Posted by citivolus

Interesting. As a comparison, most of the postdoc CSIRO positions I have seen lately are 73-80K.

Not entirely true, the new CAASTRO postdocs are 53-72k

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Actually, $1,000 a week is not bad in USA.
Their wages are really low. But so are their groceries and petrol.

All equals out in the end.

[Jen]

Who cares what the pay would be imagine sitting at a bar or something like that and someone says "oh where do you work Jen?"
I work for Nasa woop woop

So who do i give my resume too

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Jen

Who cares what the pay would be imagine sitting at a bar or something like that and someone says "oh where do you work Jen?"
I work for Nasa woop woop

So who do i give my resume too

You can always pick the drinkers

Why does it have to be while you are sitting at a Bar?

[Jen]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

You cam always pick the drinkers

Why does it have to be while you are sitting at a Bar?

well im not going to be having that sort of conversation going to church am i LMAO

So a bar it is

[Kevnool (Kev)]

I woud'nt get out of bed for that salary.

Would put a hole in the drinking program.

Houston we have a problem.

Cheers Kev.

[Sylvain (Jon)]

lol
I'd be happy to get that kind of money, especially for a first job, even after having studied for a phd.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by Sylvain

lol
I'd be happy to get that kind of money, especially for a first job, even after having studied for a phd.

I'd have to agree, I am considering myself going back to school.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

I woud'nt get out of bed for that salary.

Cheers Kev.

Damn!

I would. I'd JUMP at a pay packet like that!

After being stuck on this blasted poverty-level Pension for the last few years I'd take almost any wage.
$1000 a week is a hell of a lot of money to me.
I only get $425 a fortnight now!

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Hope something comes along to help boost that pension up.
Some people here on the invalid pension drive trucks out here to top it up.
Cheers Kev.

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

Damn!

I would. I'd JUMP at a pay packet like that!

After being stuck on this blasted poverty-level Pension for the last few years I'd take almost any wage.
$1000 a week is a hell of a lot of money to me.
I only get $425 a fortnight now!

Sorry Ken but in my last pay i paid 1600.00 just in tax for the f/nite now that is sad.
Cheers Kev.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Sorry Ken but in my last pay i paid 1600.00 just in tax for the f/nite now that is sad.
Cheers Kev.

yikes

[OICURMT]

I can tell people are settling into the "New Aussie" exchange rate...

U$50k today *was* A$60k just this past May...