Astrobiology Postdoctoral Fellows - University of Hawaii
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) invites applications for postdoctoral
fellows with a strong interest in astrobiology to collaborate with the
University of Hawaii's NASA Astrobiology Institute lead team members.
The UH lead team will maintain an innovative multi-disciplinary
research environment linking biological, microbiological, chemical,
geological and astronomical sciences to investigate the origin,
history, distribution and role of water as it relates to life in the
universe. The core of this program will center around interactions
with an interdisciplinary group of postdoctoral fellows. Areas of
primary research collaboration will be:
- formation and measurement of astrobiologically important
molecules such as sugars, amino acids, carboxylic acids, carbon
homologoues, hopanes, steranes, and head to head isoprenoids, as well
as interpretation of the redox environment as it pertains to life in
water-rich extraterrestrial ice analog samples;
- star formation (IR spectroscopy of sources in and behind dark clouds,
sub-mm interferometry of disks);
- studies of small solar system primitive bodies (including both IR
spectra, and isotopic studies);
- modeling the incorporation of water into pre-planetary grains;
- mineralogy, petrology and isotope (D/H) chemistry of
aqueously-altered carbonaceous chondrites;
- incorporation of water into planetary bodies, its cycling between
surface and interior and its subsequent loss to space;
- aqueous alteration on Mars;
- evolution and diversity of microorganisms, especially those
living in extreme and unusual Earth environments;
- experimental and field investigation of indigenous microbiota and
energetics of potential metabolic pathways in ocean crust and mantle
rocks as analogs for early Earth habitats;
- the ecology and biogeochemistry of extreme aqueous environments on the
Earth, including subglacial lakes, high-altitude lakes and fumaroles
as analogs to habitats elsewhere in the solar system;
- the development of astrobiological instruments;
- models of theoretical ocean-bearing extrasolar planets and their
remote characterization; and
- the development of collaborative multidisciplinary computing
techniques.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. and and the expertise appropriate
for the specific research focus selected by the applicant. This could
include (but is not limited to):
- Expertise in infrared astronomical spectroscopy and research experience
in star formation, circumstellar disks, or small solar system bodies
- Experience with astronomical sub-millimeter spectroscopy & interferometry
- Background in experimental physical chemistry (reaction dynamics, photo-
chemistry, charged and neutral particle sources and high vacuum technology)
- Experience with solar nebula models
- Familiarity with basic analyses of seawater based fluids,
microbial molecular genetic techniques, and thermodynamic modeling of
fluid-rock solution systems;
- Strong research programming skills (Java/C++/other) with an interest in
collaborative computing and/or artificial intelligence.
- Experience with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron
and ion microprobes; experience in geo/cosmochemistry or physicochemistry.
- Experience in marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry
- Molecular Biology and microbiology techniques
- Modeling of upper atmospheric chemistry and physics
- Analysis of remote sensing of terrestrial surface and atmosphere
- Experience in the design and construction of instrumentation
Additional desirable qualifications
- Education and public outreach is an integral part of the Astrobiology
program and experience with or interest in E/PO will be considered
positively in an application.
The successful candidates will have access to unequaled astronomical
observing facilities at the Mauna Kea and Haleakala observatories, an
Ultra-High Vacuum Surface scattering machine, a 5 spectrometer
electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope, a prototype
Cryobot, fully-equipped molecular biology and microbiology
laboratories, the R/V Kilo Moana oceanographic research ship, and the
University of Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory. In addition,
successful candidates will be in close proximity to a variety of
unique aquatic habitats (open ocean, high-altitude lakes, fumaroles).
Appointments will be up to 3 years assuming satisfactory
progress. Fellows will receive a stipend of $4,333 per mo,
a relocation allowance and small research budget. Fellows may apply
for an subsequent 2 year position as senior fellows.
Applicants are expected to propose a program of research in
consultation with the lead team members. Please address application
materials including a complete application form (http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/UHNAI/application.html),
which includes a CV, publication list, a research proposal describing
connections to at least 2 lead team members (see http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/UHNAI)
and a list of at least three professional references to:
Dr. Rolf Kudritzki, Director
Institute for Astronomy
2680 Woodlawn Drive,
Honolulu, HI 96822
Request that the letters of recommendation are sent directly to this
same address. Further details may be obtained from Dr. Rolf Kudritzki
at 808-956-8566 or email kud@ifa.hawaii.edu. Questions
about the UH Astrobiology lead team's program may be directed to
Dr. K. J. Meech. Applications will be reviewed beginning Dec. 15,
2003, but the positions will remain open until filled. The University
of Hawaii is an EEO/AA employer and encourages applications from women
and minorities.