Postdoctoral Fellow – AEThER program

The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), Carnegie Institution for Science, seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate mantle solidification from a magma ocean state, including chemical interactions with a primordial atmosphere. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community at the Carnegie Institution for Science. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. 

This postdoctoral position is part of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation funded AEThER (Atmospheric Empirical, Theoretical, and Experimental Research) team that is investigating how primary atmospheres form in conjunction with the solidification of the mantle during planet formation. The larger motivation is to aid in the search for life on exoplanets by understanding how planetary atmospheres form and evolve. 

Modeling the solidification of a magma ocean is a complex dynamic process that involves two-phase convection of solid and liquid silicate phases, chemical partitioning, variable solidus and radiogenic heating rates, and chemical exchange with the atmosphere. The candidate will develop and use numerical models in 1D, 2D, and/or 3D to model the solidification of the mantle, from a fully liquid state to a solid state in direct collaboration with Drs. Peter Driscoll (EPL), Brad Foley (Penn State University), and Cian Wilson (EPL). Collaboration with other members of the AEThER team working on related topics is also anticipated. 

Minimum qualifications: The applicant must have completed a doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, planetary science, or a related field at the time of appointment. The candidate should have experience in computational fluid dynamics and programming proficiency, especially with C++ and/or python. 

Desired qualifications: Familiarity with finite element or other numerical modeling software is desirable, and experience with numerical software packages FEniCS, PETSc and MPI is a bonus. 

The appointment is for one year, with renewal for a second year pending progress. The position 

is available September 1, 2021 and will be based at the Broad Branch Road campus of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC. This is an FLSA Exempt position. Interested parties should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae (including publications), statement of research interests, and contact information for three references. 

Only complete applications submitted via the Carnegie website will be considered. 

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.