Postdoctoral Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Department Earth & Planetary Sciences Salary Details minimum $63968 Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

* Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage

* Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs

* Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options

* Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)

* Life insurance coverage

* Employee discount programs

Posting Summary

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position to collaborate with Professor Yoshinori Miyazaki. We seek highly motivated and creative candidates interested in understanding the origin and evolution of habitable environments on terrestrial planets through theoretical, computational, and interdisciplinary approaches. Our research approaches this question from the broader perspective of planetary formation, integrating geodynamical and geochemical models to investigate the evolution of terrestrial planets from accretion and differentiation to the emergence of habitable environments, with applications to both the Solar System and rocky exoplanets.

The successful candidate will develop theoretical and numerical models that connect the physical and chemical evolution of planetary interiors with atmospheric and surface evolution, providing a framework for understanding the emergence and long-term maintenance of habitable conditions on terrestrial planets. The postdoctoral associate will be encouraged to pursue independent research while contributing to ongoing projects (e.g., magma ocean solidification and the long-term coupled evolution of planetary interiors and atmospheres).

Candidates interested in extending these models to interpret observations of terrestrial exoplanets, or in developing new approaches that bridge planetary science, geodynamics, geochemistry, and astronomy, are also encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant should have:

* A Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

* Experience in numerical modeling related to one or more of the following areas: computational astrophysics, planetary formation, mantle convection, geochemical cycles, or the evolution of planetary atmospheres and surface environments

* Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, or Fortran) and familiarity with high-performance computing, and

* Excellent organizational and written and oral communication skills.

Rutgers University offers a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment with internationally recognized strengths in planetary science, Earth science, computational modeling, and astronomy. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is located on the New Brunswick campus and provides outstanding opportunities for collaboration across the School of Arts and Sciences and with external research institutions.

Excellence in research, with experience relevant to the areas listed above, will be the primary criterion for consideration. The position offers flexibility for pursuing original research directions aligned with the group's broad goal of understanding the processes that govern planetary evolution and habitability. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

The anticipated start date will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate. Questions may be directed to yoshi.miyazaki.

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0658 Posting Open Date 08/01/2026 Posting Close Date 10/01/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement

Rutgers University provides equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic…