Postdoctoral Scholar - Space Sciences Laboratory - UC Berkeley

Application Window

Open date:
May 8, 2026
Next review date:
Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,902-$79,014.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Summer/Fall 2026
Position duration: 2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at the University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar who will work with Drs. Andrew Poppe and Lucas Liuzzo as part of a NASA Precursor Science Investigations for Europa (PSIE) award to model Europa's neutral atmosphere and its interaction with the Jovian magnetosphere.

Responsibilities include:

• Simulating Europa's plasma interaction over a wide range of conditions using an established hybrid plasma model.
• Using DSMC-produced neutral atmosphere results as input for ionospheric production.
• Exploring Jovian plasma parameters that govern Europa's plasma interaction.
• Assembling and maintaining the library of hybrid simulation results.
• Delivering hybrid model results into a graphical user interface.
• Presenting results at scientific workshops and conferences.
• Preparing and submitting scientific manuscripts to peer‑reviewed journals.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in a PhD program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• No more than 3‑years post‑PhD research experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with space plasma interactions with planetary surfaces, especially within the Jovian system.
• Knowledge of outer planet moon exospheres and atmospheres.
• Experience with modeling moon–plasma interactions using numerical and computational methods.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter.
• Research Statement – discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans; optional.

Reference requirements

• Three references: contact information only. Confidential letters will be requested from those under serious consideration.

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05361
Help contact: kimking

Job location:

Berkeley, CA
Equal Opportunity Employer – The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.