Cornell University, Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Astrobiology
Oceanography
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Planetary Sciences / Planetary Atmospheres
Position Description
The Planetary Habitability & Technology Lab in Cornell’s Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, led by Prof. Dr. Britney Schmidt, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a field-based research program in northwest Greenland. The ideal candidate would have prior experience working with water sampling, laboratory processing of microbial and nutrient samples, as well as with metagenomic analyses. The ideal candidate would also have prior experience in polar ecosystems and a strong interest in coupling these data to oceanographic/environmental variables to better understand fjord and subglacial processes, as well as ongoing climate shifts and its implications. The candidate should be able to participate in at least one field campaign. The Fellow will be joining a vibrant and interdisciplinary research group that combines oceanography, glaciology, and planetary science with robotics. The Fellow would become a team member in the NASA PSTAR SSHOWUP program, which is working on gathering data at the transition from winter to summer conditions in Greenland, as well as characterizing subglacial outflow plumes, and mélange-glacier-fjord dynamics. As a result, there are interesting possibilities for taking the work in several compelling directions from isolating organisms from the subglacial environment to characterizing shifts in the environment as solar forcing increases and the sea ice starts to break out. Traditional water sampling via Niskin bottles, as well as small water samples taken by the underwater vehicle Icefin would be utilized for this project. We hope the Fellow will not only contribute to the existing goals of the project but also bring with them new ideas for expanding the project. The expected term of employment is two years, where the second is contingent on sufficient progress during the first year. Desired start date is by January 1 (preference for earlier start dates); however, candidates should reach out to Britney Schmidt prior to submitting applications if they would need a later starting date. The field campaign would take place from late February to April 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning October 1 until the position is filled. Candidates must be able to provide proof of PhD prior to appointment start date. The project is primarily funded through NASA Astrobiology and PSTAR program grants, which enables exploring both the polar and planetary implications of the work. In addition to this project, there are interesting fellowship opportunities that would be compelling for the right candidate, so potential candidates should reach out to Britney Schmidt to discuss further, britneys@cornell.edu. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and list of three references to Dr. Britney Schmidt britneys@cornell.edu and Dr. Brandi Revels, program scientist for the research group, brandi.revels@cornell.edu.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.
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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.
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- Contact: Britney Schmidt, 607-255-4342
- Email:
- Postal Mail:
- 3104 Snee Hall
Cornell Campus
Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Ithaca, New York 14853
- 3104 Snee Hall
- Web Page: https://schmidt.astro.cornell.edu/