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Postdoc - Understanding Habitability of Redox-Active Hydrothermal Systems in Planetary Environments

Employer
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Location
Pasadena, California (US)
Closing date
Apr 26, 2019

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Discipline
Geochemistry
Career Level
Postdoctoral
Education Level
PhD
Job Type
Full-time
Relocation Cost
Negotiable
Sector Type
Non-Government Organization/Non-Profit

Job Details

Understanding Habitability of Redox-Active Hydrothermal Systems in Planetary Environments Overview

Dr. Laurie Barge, JPL Research Scientist in Astrobiology, is seeking a postdoc to work on hydrothermal geochemistry and planetary habitability research efforts. This position is joint between a NASA Habitable Worlds project and a NASA Planetary Science and Technology from Analog Research (PSTAR) project, working in the Origins and Habitability Laboratory at JPL. The candidate will work with Dr. Barge on lab simulations of mineral-aqueous geochemistry as it relates to habitability on Earth and other worlds, with a focus on phosphorus geochemistry; as well as preparing science and operational strategies for field exploration of seafloor vents. The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor and other lab members, resulting in publications in the open literature. JPL's main business is building and operating robotic spacecraft to observe the Earth, explore the Solar System, and map the universe. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here, and we work often with colleagues across JPL's science and engineering sections. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges. Postdoctoral researchers at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare and other aspects of living in southern California.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will conduct laboratory simulations of mineral-aqueous systems in order to understand how they become habitable and how we can detect life in these systems using mission-relevant payloads. The laboratory experiments will focus on understanding phosphorus cycling in redox-active mineral systems, and on developing techniques to understand habitability in general in an example redox-active (hydrothermal vent) system in the Pacific Ocean. The postdoc will help with development of science and operations strategies for a new divebot payload that will study a deep sea hydrothermal vent; and will relate the findings at the analog field site to the lab simulation experiments which will extrapolate to non-Earth-like environments such as the ocean worlds. The postdoc will communicate effectively and collaborate with team members at other institutions for these funded projects, including the SETI institute, U. of South Florida, and Citrus College. In addition, the appointee will synthesize minerals and simulated hydrothermal environments in the lab; help with instrument testing and development of science / operational strategies for field deployment; test reactions of phosphorus under geochemical conditions relevant to Earth and other worlds; relate findings to existing and future mission data. If interested, contact Dr. Barge for more information about the projects. The selected candidate will lead completion of specific tasks for ongoing projects and will also have some opportunity to develop their own experimental plans. The postdoc position will require mentoring of an undergraduate or graduate student, as well as participating in education / public outreach efforts related to the work. Furthermore, the postdoc will work collaboratively with other lab group members including fellow postdocs, graduate / undergraduate students, and JPL colleagues; participate in and help develop new mission-relevant research projects. The postdoc will also assist with general lab management tasks, including helping to develop lab safety protocols and procedures, training new personnel as appropriate, and upkeep of equipment / instruments.

Qualifications

Required qualifications: Candidates should have a recent PhD in chemistry, geology, biology or related fields. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about astrobiology and participating in mission-relevant research, and in being a collaborative member of a lab group that studies how life emerges and thrives in planetary environments.  Desired qualifications: Willingness to learn analytical techniques. In particular the project will involve Raman spectroscopy, LIBS, liquid 31P NMR. Experience with or willingness to learn anaerobic methods and handling of hazardous material. The project involves preparing for a field deployment, so organizational skills and ability to meet milestones and deadlines is crucial.

Candidates who have received their PhD within the past five years since the date of their application are eligible. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum duration of three years.

Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

Company

Caltech and JPL are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.
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