Duke University, Physics
Position Description
About
the Duke SPACE Initiative
The Duke SPACE Initiative (Science and Policy
to Advance Cosmic Exploration) is an interdisciplinary program bringing
together faculty, researchers, and students from across Duke University to
address the scientific, policy, economic, legal, medical, and humanistic
dimensions of space exploration. Sponsored by Trinity College of Arts and
Sciences and drawing on expertise from across the university, the Initiative
aims to position Duke as a thought leader in space education and research.
Seeking
Practitioners, Scholars, and Professionals
The Duke SPACE Initiative is seeking
accomplished practitioners, scholars, and professionals whose work bridges
space science, technology, policy, and the humanities. Appointees will join a
vibrant interdisciplinary community and contribute to the Initiative's mission
of advancing space exploration through research, education, and public
engagement.
The appointment length as
a Sr. Research Scholar may be from 6 months up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal. We anticipate
making one to two appointments beginning July 2026.
Who
Should Apply
We welcome applications from a broad range of
backgrounds and career stages, from early-career postdoctoral researchers to
senior practitioners. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work
demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement with space-related topics.
Example profiles include:
•
Astronauts
or analog astronauts with experience in human spaceflight or mission simulation
•
Government
and/or space industry veterans
•
Scientists
and/or engineers
•
Space
policy, law, economics, or governance specialists
•
Aerospace
medicine practitioners or human spaceflight researchers
•
Historians,
journalists, authors, or documentarians examining the space sector
•
Arts
practitioners imagining futures and/or exploring space creatively
Responsibilities
Appointees are expected to pursue their own
research, creative projects, or professional practice during their appointment.
In addition, appointees will work with Initiative leadership to design an
engagement plan that contributes to our mission. Activities may include:
•
Student Mentorship: Advising undergraduate and graduate
students on research projects, career pathways, and professional development in
space-related fields
•
Network Building: Connecting Duke students and faculty with
industry, government, and international contacts in the space sector
•
Public Programming: Participating in speaker series,
panels, workshops, exhibitions, and other events that engage the Duke and
broader community
•
Project Development: Leading or contributing to initiatives
that advance the Initiative's mission (e.g., research collaborations, archives,
documentary projects, policy analysis, creative work)
•
Teaching (optional): Opportunities to one course per
semester or guest lecture may be available depending on fellow interest and
program needs
Compensation
and Residency
Compensation is commensurate with experience
and time commitment. Residency requirements are flexible. Appointees may be
based in Durham full-time or may propose a hybrid arrangement with defined
periods on campus.
Application
Requirements
Applicants should submit:
1.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
2.
Interest and Engagement Statement (3 pages maximum)
addressing: (1) your background and interest in the SPACE Initiative, and (2)
the activities you would pursue, such as mentorship, programming, or projects
3. Three References with contact information (letters will be requested for finalists)
Questions
For questions about the program, please
contact Anna Linvill, Senior Program Coordinator, Duke SPACE Initiative, at
anna.linvill@duke.edu.
The Duke SPACE Initiative is committed to
building a broad and diverse interdisciplinary community. We encourage
applications from individuals of all backgrounds and points of view.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site. Letters should be submitted by 2026/03/31 11:59PM
)
Further Info: