Postdoctoral Associate in Astrobiology

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

State medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid time away and university holidays

Job summary

A prominent research institution in Gainesville, Florida seeks a Postdoctoral Associate in Astrobiology. This position focuses on researching the preservation potential of biosignatures in icy environments. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and mentoring students. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in Earth or Planetary Sciences and some experience in related laboratories. A comprehensive benefits package is included with this full-time role.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Experience with mass spectrometry is preferred.
• Experience in wet chemistry laboratories is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on biosignature preservation.
• Coordinate project activities and report progress.
• Mentor student researchers and supervise projects.

Skills

Experience with mass spectrometry

Experience in wet chemistry laboratories

Education

PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Geological Sciences

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate in Astrobiology

Job No: 539242

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Education/Training/Instructional Design, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department: 16240000 - LS-GEOLOGY

Job Description

Classification Title: Postdoctoral Associate in Astrobiology

Classification Minimum Requirements: The appointee must have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

This postdoctoral position is to conduct research related to the biosignature preservation potential of Ocean World ices exposed to space-like combinations of temperature, pressure, and radiation. Research activities would include contributing to experiments using the Europa Tower (Stone Aerospace Facility) to provide cryogenic temperatures, hard vacuum, a large ice column, and sources of ionizing and UV radiation to ice samples doped with biogenic materials. Experiments include (i) those in which candidate biosignatures are mixed and frozen to simulate accreted sub-surface ices transported to the near subsurface and (ii) the flash freezing of ices by depositing microdroplets into vacuum to simulate geyser-derived materials. Measurements will be made on the experimental products using GC-MS and the postdoctoral associate will make the measurements, analyze the data, prepare manuscripts, and present the results at conferences. There will be opportunities for mentoring student researchers.

Performs or supervises research on assigned projects. Coordinates project activities and reports on progress. Writes articles for publication. Prepares research and presents to applicable parties as needed. Compiles data for funding proposals. Trains and mentors subordinate research associates and undergraduate students. Assists with the writing of funding proposals.

Benefits

This faculty position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes state medical, dental, and vision plans; life and disability coverage; multiple retirement options; and paid time away and university holidays.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geological Sciences, or a closely related field.

Preferred

• Experience with mass spectrometry.
• Experience in wet chemistry laboratories.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes:

• Letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position
• A complete curriculum vitae

The names and email addresses of three references must be provided. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

This is a time-limited position.

This position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin as soon as a suitable pool is established.

To Apply

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539242

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.