Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory)

University of Arizona

life insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Apr 03, 2025

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory)
Posting Number	req21927
Department	Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Department Website Link	https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/
Location	Main Campus
Address	Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights	The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the field of modeling of planetary atmospheres. Research areas of interest include atmospheric escape from rocky planets, chemical kinetics of early Earth, Venus, Mars, and analogous exoplanets, and interior-atmosphere interactions on rocky worlds; candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Ranjan in advance of their application to cooperatively identify specific research topics of mutual interest. Applicants should have previous experience modeling the atmospheres of planets or exoplanets, although a variety of backgrounds may be relevant. Candidates with expertise in 1D hydrodynamic escape of rocky planet atmospheres are especially encouraged to apply. The position is for a period of up to three years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance reviews. Position is opened until filled. First review of applications will begin 03/24/2025. Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities	The successful applicant will conduct original research in collaboration with Prof. Sukrit Ranjan and his group related to the composition and structure of planetary atmospheres, with emphasis on terrestrial planet atmospheres inside and outside the solar system. The specific topics of research will be cooperatively negotiated based on mutual interest, though current priorities include photochemical kinetics and atmospheric escape as applied to questions of astrobiological interest. Other responsibilities may include participation in remote and in-person team meetings, presentation of results at conferences, scientific mentoring of junior colleagues, and preparation of original scientific research manuscripts.
Minimum Qualifications	PhD in the field of Planetary Science, Astronomy, Geoscience, or a related discipline by the start date of the position. Experience with numerical modeling Experience with modelling the climate, photochemistry, or escape of planetary or exoplanetary atmospheres.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience with one or more of: modeling hydrodynamic escape from the upper atmospheres of terrestrial planets, Venusian photochemistry, interior-atmosphere interactions and outgassing. Experience with or interest in mentoring junior scientists. Experience leading peer-reviewed scientific publications.
FLSA	Exempt
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week	40
Job FTE	1.0
Work Calendar	Fiscal
Job Category	Research
Benefits Eligible	Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay	NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type	salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:	Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies	1
Target Hire Date	9/1/2025
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	Ranjan Sukrit Assistant Professor sukrit@arizona.edu
Open Date	2/13/2025
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant	Please submit the following: CV Cover Letter Statement of Research Interest Contact Information for 3 references, who will be separately contacted for letters if candidate advances in the hiring process.
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