Remote Principal Astrobiologist: Lead Life Beyond Earth

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 2,470,000 - 3,458,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Fully remote with flexible schedule

Paid time off

Professional development resources

Job summary

Research Institute in a fully remote setup seeks a Principal Astrobiologist to lead theoretical and experimental investigations on life beyond Earth, and to collaborate with a global team of scientists. You will analyze data from space missions and contribute to mission planning.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 7+ years of postdoctoral or independent research experience, a strong publication record, and a proven funding track record.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astrobiology, Planetary Science, Biochemistry, Geology, Biology, or a related field.
• 7+ years of postdoctoral or independent research experience in astrobiology or related discipline.
• Expertise in origins of life, biosignatures, exoplanet habitability, extremophiles, geochemistry, or planetary evolution.
• Proven ability to secure funding and publish in top-tier journals.
• Experience analyzing large datasets from astronomical or geological sources is advantageous.
• Strong communication and remote collaboration skills.
• Leadership potential and mentoring experience.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage projects remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative research on the search for life beyond Earth.
• Develop theoretical models for habitability, biosignatures, and life emergence.
• Design and interpret experiments simulating extraterrestrial environments.
• Analyze data from planetary missions, telescopes, and laboratory studies.
• Collaborate with an international, interdisciplinary team.
• Publish high-impact papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at major conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to planning future space missions and experiments.
• Mentor junior researchers and influence strategic direction.

Skills

Leadership

Research coordination

Scientific communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in astrobiology or related field

Job description

Research Institute in a fully remote setup seeks a Principal Astrobiologist to lead theoretical and experimental investigations on life beyond Earth, and to collaborate with a global team of scientists. You will analyze data from space missions and contribute to mission planning.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 7+ years of postdoctoral or independent research experience, a strong publication record, and a proven funding track record.