Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Exoplanet Atmospheres

Arizona State University; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits-eligible

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration invites a postdoctoral researcher to study exoplanet atmospheres using JWST data. The role focuses on atmospheric modeling, retrieval frameworks, and collaboration across disciplines, with opportunities to mentor students.

The position starts September 1, 2027, on the Tempe campus, for one year with potential renewal for up to two additional years. Salary is $75,000 plus $5,000 relocation support, with benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• PhD required by start date in Astronomy, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, or closely related field.
• Expertise in atmospheric modeling and retrieval techniques (Bayesian frameworks, radiative-convective equilibrium, or photochemical modeling).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret spectroscopic JWST data or similar datasets.
• Proficiency in programming and computational tools relevant to atmospheric characterization.

Responsibilities

• Analyze spectroscopic data from JWST to characterize exoplanet atmospheres.
• Develop and refine atmospheric retrieval models using Bayesian and self-consistent frameworks.
• Conduct photochemical and radiative-convective equilibrium modeling to study exoplanetary atmospheres.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate atmospheric and interior modeling approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

Atmospheric modeling

Retrieval techniques

Bayesian frameworks

Radiative-convective equilibrium

Photochemical modeling

JWST data analysis

Programming skills

Education

PhD in Astronomy / Planetary Science / Astrophysics or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position working with Professor Luis Welbanks at Arizona State University in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, focused on the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This position offers the opportunity to contribute to advancing atmospheric modeling and retrieval techniques, such as Bayesian frameworks, photochemistry integration, radiative-convective equilibrium modeling, and multidimensional retrievals, to maximize the science return from JWST observations. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team to analyze JWST spectroscopic datasets to explore the chemical and physical processes shaping exoplanet atmospheres. The candidate will work on one or both of two research projects: improving data-driven atmospheric models to refine our understanding of exoplanet properties or characterizing the metallicity, water content, and diversity of young sub-Neptune atmospheres. This role is ideal for researchers with expertise in atmospheric modeling, retrieval frameworks, and data analysis who seek to push the boundaries of exoplanetary science. Scientists with expertise performing data reductions of JWST spectroscopic observations are encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, university needs, and available resources. The position includes an annual salary of $75,000 and $5,000 relocation expense. This position is located on the ASU - Tempe Campus and requires physical presence at that location. Working from another location requires additional approvals, which are not guaranteed.

The School of Earth and Space Exploration

SESE is a vibrant and diverse community that combines the strengths of science, engineering, and education to set the stage for a new era of exploration. Research in SESE includes, but is not limited to, the geology, geophysics, and geochemistry of Earth and other planetary bodies, exploration systems design and instrumentation, exoplanets, astrobiology, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and Earth and space science education. A central part of SESE’s mission is to develop and deploy new technologies that enable scientific exploration, building on half a century of ASU faculty, staff, and student participation and leadership in Solar System exploration. SESE maintains world-class shared facilities and expertise to support the development and operation of space missions. Current SESE participation includes leadership of the NASA Psyche asteroid mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), thermal emission spectrometers on the Mars Odyssey, OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, and upcoming Europa Clipper missions, multiple SmallSats, and the Mastcam and Mastcam-Z imaging investigations on the Curiosity rover and Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, respectively. See http://sese.asu.edu for more information.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, diverse and curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Essential Functions

• Analyze spectroscopic data from JWST (e.g., transmission, emission spectra, phase curves) to characterize exoplanet atmospheres.
• Develop and refine atmospheric retrieval models, incorporating Bayesian and self-consistent frameworks, to evaluate chemical and physical processes in planetary atmospheres.
• Conduct photochemical and radiative-convective equilibrium modeling to advance understanding of exoplanetary and sub-Neptune systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate atmospheric and interior modeling approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Astronomy, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Expertise in atmospheric modeling and retrieval techniques, such as Bayesian frameworks, radiative-convective equilibrium modeling, or photochemical modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret spectroscopic datasets from JWST or similar instruments.
• Demonstrated programming skills, including experience with statistical and computational tools relevant to atmospheric characterization.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in exoplanetary or atmospheric sciences.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with advanced statistical techniques, including Bayesian cross-validation and data-driven methods for atmospheric retrievals.
• Proficiency in photochemical and self-consistent atmospheric modeling, especially integrating chemistry with radiative-convective frameworks.
• Familiarity with the analysis of transmission, emission spectra, and phase curves, especially from JWST instruments such as NIRISS or NIRSpec.
• Knowledge of sub-Neptune atmospheric composition and evolution, including cloud physics and water-world formation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to combine atmospheric and interior modeling or analyze observational data across multiple wavelengths.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborating with our faculty members, staff, students, and external partners to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.