Postdoctoral Scholar in Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology

Postdoctoral Scholar in Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Position Overview

Organization: Earth and Space Science

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to work on numerical simulations and data analysis to inform the search for life on exoplanets. The position will be supervised by Professors David Catling and Joshua Krissansen‑Totton. This theory project is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and does not depend on federal grants.

The postdoctoral associate will work in collaboration with supervisors and other scientists to study how global biospheres alter planetary processes in ways that are remotely detectable. The research will involve:

• Using biogeochemical evolutionary models to simulate lifeless and inhabited worlds, and
• Developing disequilibrium‑, redox‑, and information‑based metrics to understand and quantify the influence of life on planetary environments.

The research will also involve opportunities to collaborate with personnel in the Virtual Planetary Laboratory (based in UW Astronomy) to examine the detectability of such signs of life with future telescopes. The candidate will also have opportunities for further collaboration and career development.

Who We Are

The candidate will work within planetary sciences in the Dept. of Earth and Space Sciences, which has four broad research areas: the solid earth, surface processes, geobiology, and space/planetary sciences. The group involved in the postdoc project are also part of the cross‑campus Astrobiology Program, and the postdoctoral scholar would be part of this broader interdisciplinary environment. We seek a postdoc who would make the most of available collaborative opportunities.

Write and run evolutionary biogeochemical numerical models to simulate lifeless and inhabited worlds, and develop disequilibrium‑, redox‑, and information‑based metrics to understand and quantify the influence of life on planetary environments. A successful candidate will conduct research that results in publication in the open literature and participation in national or international meetings. Some mentoring of graduate and undergraduate student researchers is expected.

This is a full‑time appointment. The base salary range for this position will be $6,498 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Employee benefits will be provided. The position initially runs for one year subject to possible renewal for up to three years. The position is available immediately, but the exact start date for the position is negotiable. A start date as soon as possible is highly desirable.

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The candidate must have a PhD in a relevant field, such as planetary science, physics, chemistry, geology, Earth sciences, or geophysics, and must not have exceeded two years previous work at the postdoctoral level at start of appointment.
• Coding experience in a scientific computing language is desirable (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, IDL, Fortran, etc.).
• The candidate should have an aptitude for theoretical/numerical modeling and have appropriate associated skills, including statistical analysis of data or model outputs.
• The candidate must have a strong interest in astrobiology. They must possess the self‑confidence and interest to learn aspects of different fields or new skills, as needed, to solve research questions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ideally, candidates will have experience with—or the confidence to learn—numerical modeling of planetary atmospheres, thermodynamics, and equilibrium chemistry.

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.