Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and retirement

Paid time off and parental leave

Work‑life balance initiatives

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeks postdoctoral scholars in the Planetary Geology group to advance understanding of lunar volatile processes. You will characterize textures, determine mineral chemistry, and measure volatile abundances in lunar materials, contributing to a regional context of the Moon’s differentiation and evolution.

You will lead conference abstracts, contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, and design independent research that strengthens the group’s lunar science program.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field.
• In‑depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry.
• Experience with microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS.
• Knowledge of lunar science is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience in writing/developing research grants or proposals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the texture of lunar samples.
• Determine the mineral chemistry.
• Measure volatile abundances in minerals and glasses.
• Interpret volatile data based on petrogenesis of the sample.
• Collaborate with scientists at different institutions to place observations in a regional context and questions about the Moon’s differentiation and evolution.
• Lead conference abstracts and associated presentations.
• Write and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Design and conduct independent research that enhances the above tasks.

Skills

Petrology knowledge

Geochemistry

Planetary science

Peer‑reviewed publications

Education

Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science or related field

Tools

SEM

EMP (Electron Microprobe)

SIMS

Job description

Overview

JPL is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). We seek postdoctoral scholars in the Planetary Geology group to advance understanding of lunar volatile processes.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the texture of lunar samples.
• Determine the mineral chemistry.
• Measure volatile abundances in minerals and glasses.
• Interpret volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample.
• Collaborate with scientists at different institutions to place observations in a regional context and answer questions about the Moon’s differentiation and evolution.
• Lead conference abstracts and associated presentations.
• Write and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Design and conduct independent research that enhances the above tasks.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field.
• In‑depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry.
• Experience with microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS.
• Knowledge of lunar science (preferred).
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience in writing/developing research grants or proposals (preferred).

Benefits & Perks

• Health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave, and more.
• Work‑life balance initiatives.

EEO Statement

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law. In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO is the Law.