Postdoctoral Associate, Space Institute

About the Role

The Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability (CPO2H) of the Rice Space Institute (RSI) is seeking a postdoctoral associate to conduct independent research advancing the center's scientific mission.

Areas of interest include:

• Formation and evolution of planetary systems
• Origin, delivery, distribution, and cycling of life-essential elements on planets
• Interaction between planets and their host stars
• Comparative planetology
• Processes and properties of planetary interiors
• Physical and chemical interactions between interiors and planetary surface environments
• Planetary surface processes
• Earth history to understand evolution of planetary systems, the emergence of life, and coupled evolution of life and planetary environments

Key Responsibilities

• Performs experiments and analyzes data
• Publishes and presents research findings

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD in Earth Sciences, Planetary Science, Geophysics, Astrobiology, Astrophysics, Space Physics, or a related field at the time of appointment.
• Preference given to candidates who have completed their PhD no earlier than December 2022.
• On-site position at 6100 Main Street.
• Collaborative research using observations, laboratory experiments, geo- and cosmochemical analyses, theory, and numerical models.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate, and to motivate others
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction
• Excellent time management skills

Appointment Details

• The appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third year upon funding availability and based on progress and performance.
• Start date is negotiable, with a preference for early 2027.
• Initial annual salary comparable to other Earth and planetary science, astronomy, and astrobiology prize fellowships.
• Support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs.

Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications
• Two-page statement of research interests and past research accomplishments
• At least three letters of recommendation

Application deadline: November 30, 2026.

Send application materials to: [email protected]