Cornell University, Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Position ID:Cornell-CCAPS-POSTDOC1 [#20618]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate in Earth & Planetary Materials
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Planetary Sciences / Planetary Atmospheres
Appl Deadline:2022/01/31 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/11/23, finished 2022/03/08, listed until 2022/01/31)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Cornell Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Planetary Research seeks a postdoctoral scientist with knowledge on Earth and planetary materials, melting processes, and experience with experimental petrology/geochemistry and infrared spectroscopy. The postdoc will be part of the interdisciplinary Carl Sagan Institute (CSI) at Cornell University and work with Lisa Kaltenegger (Astronomy) and Esteban Gazel (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) in a project supported by the Heisting-Simons foundation to experimentally explore the composition of exosolar lava planets. We have two years of postdoctoral support as well as opportunities to present in international conferences and be part of professional development programs at Cornell. Ideally, we would like the postdoctoral scientist to start in Spring 2022.

Earth started as a lava planet, covered by a magma ocean sustained by the energy of accretionary impacts. Since then, the direct connections to our origin as a lava world are mostly lost. However, the exciting discovery of hundreds of lava worlds around other stars opens new opportunities to explore what those planets are made of, as well as our primordial planetary origin through the study of their composition. The first observations from the surface of a lava world (LHS 3844) were recently done using the Spitzer Space Telescope. This significant breakthrough demonstrates that we will be able to observe the surface of more lava worlds in the future. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge we face as new data become available is that we cannot interpret the observations made by current (Spitzer and Hubble) and upcoming telescopes (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope) without a library of experimentally observed spectra of hot and molten surfaces and their potential outgassed atmospheres. The project "Laboratory Exploration of Lava Worlds" will provide these critical experimental data to explore the surface and atmospheric compositions of lava planets and help identify tell-tale signs of different materials to give us insight for the interpretations of future exoplanet observations.

The postdoctoral associate will conduct the experiments, produce measurements of the reflectivity and emission spectrum of representative composition surfaces as well as their chemistry, and interpret/model results, with the goal of providing the data necessary for future observations of lava worlds. The project requires bi-weekly presentations with advancement on the project to the PIs and during the CSI monthly meetings, the publication of results in peer-reviewed journals, and the development of a catalog of spectra that will be released by the end of the project.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the PIs to discuss the project. Applications must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online.

Diversity and inclusion have been and continue to be a part of our heritage. Cornell University is a recognized EEO/AA employer and educator.


Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience.
  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
  • Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
astro.cornell.edu
email address
607-255-4342
 
122 Science Drive
106 Space Science Building
Cornell Campus
Ithaca, New York 14853