Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles
Listed on 2026-07-11
-
Research/Development
Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
JPL Postdoctoral Research Opportunity
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.
JPL's Planetary Geology group is seeking a postdoc who will join them in the study of volatiles in lunar igneous rocks.
The selected postdoc will focus on the following:
- Characterizing the texture of lunar samples
- Determining the mineral chemistry
- Measuring volatile abundances in minerals and glasses
- Interpreting the volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample
- Collaboration with scientists at different institutions to place observations in regional context to answer questions about the Moon's differentiation and evolution
The postdoc is expected lead conference abstracts and associated presentations and write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The successful applicant is also encouraged to design and conduct their own research that enhances the tasks above.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field
- In-depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry
- Experience in microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of lunar science
- Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer-reviewed publications
- Demonstrated experience in writing/developing research grants/proposals
The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.
Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.
JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together.
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).