"Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory)"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23612

Department: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory

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 include hydrodynamic atmospheric escape from rocky exoplanets, nitrogen and sulfur cycling on early Mars and Earth, 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 and/or in modeling early terrestrial or Martian geochemistry 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 01/15/2026.

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!

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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 hydrodynamic atmospheric escape, Martian geochemistry, and photochemical kinetics 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 and programming
• 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

Contact Information for Candidates

Sukrit Ranjan

Assistant Professor

sukrit@arizona.edu

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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