POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Planetary Dynamics - Boulder, CO

Southwest Research Institute; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Dynamics located in Boulder, CO. The role requires conducting analytical and numerical modeling in solar system dynamics and contributing to mission proposals.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field with expertise in planetary dynamics. The position offers opportunities for developing a research program and collaborating with a team of leading scientists.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field required.
• Expertise in planetary dynamics or related field.
• Ability to debug code and implement new physics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and analysis studies of solar system dynamics.
• Develop independent research programs through external funding.
• Participate in mission proposals to support departmental growth.

Skills

Analytical modeling

Numerical modeling

Data analysis

Programming

Education

Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Planetary Dynamics - Boulder, CO

19-00192

Who We Are:

Contribute expertise in planetary dynamics and planet formation studies to a team of world‑class solar system scientists who are unlocking the mysteries of planetary system evolution, dynamics, and processes.

Objectives of this Role:

• Conduct analytical or numerical modeling and model analysis studies of problems in solar system dynamics and collisional physics with relevance to planet or Moon formation studies.
• Conduct observational data analysis that supports model validation.
• Incorporate additional physical schemes into numerical models.
• Develop and grow an independent research program through external program support.
• Participate in mission and/or instrument proposals to support the strategic growth of the Department.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Independently develop and implement hypotheses‑driven numerical model and data analysis activities.
• Configure, initialize, run, and analyze solar system collisional and/or dynamical evolution models to test hypotheses.
• Maintain and grow a research program in solar system dynamics, planet formation, and/or collisional physics through external funding.
• Actively seek and apply for external support of research activities.
• Participate and contribute to group meetings for the “Center of Lunar Origin and Evolution”.

Requirements:

• Requires a Ph.D. in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics or Aerospace Engineering with an expertise in planetary dynamics or related field.
• 0 years: Expertise in theory, programming, and numerical modeling.
• Ability to debug code, test code, and implement new physics.

Special Requirements:

Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado. This is a 1‑year limited term assignment.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.