Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Lunar & Planetary Sciences

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Lunar & Planetary Sciences

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Computer Science

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req25899

Department: Lunar and Planetary Laboratory

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Planetary Science.

The successful applicant will independently design, develop, and execute original research programs focused on the advancement of foundation models and the creation of high-quality benchmark datasets for applications in Planetary Science. This includes formulating novel methodologies, implementing state-of-the-art machine learning and data science techniques, and integrating diverse, large-scale planetary datasets to address complex scientific questions.

The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) is a world leader in space science, technology, and exploration, dedicated to advancing the fundamental understanding of the origin and evolution of the Sun, planetary bodies in our solar system, and planetary systems beyond. LPL achieves excellence through cutting-edge research and teaching while mentoring the next generation of planetary scientists. As a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary community, LPL fosters an environment that advances science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research, education, and public engagement, where everyone can thrive.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A 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

• Independently design, develop, and execute original research programs focused on the advancement of foundation models and the creation of high-quality benchmark datasets for applications in Planetary Science.
• Evaluate model performance, ensure reproducibility of results, and contribute to the development of scalable, generalizable frameworks that support ongoing and future research initiatives.
• Actively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including faculty, research scientists, and external partners, to align research objectives and contribute to shared project goals.
• Participate in regular remote and in-person meetings, providing technical expertise and mentoring junior researchers or students as appropriate.
• Disseminate research findings through the preparation of high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations.
• Present results at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars, and contribute to the visibility and reputation of the research program.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in the field of computer science, planetary science, or a related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, training, and benchmarking large vision models (e.g., ViT-base scale models 80+ million parameters).
• Training in planetary science and familiarity with planetary image data.

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

Michael Phillips, Ph.D.
Researcher/Scientist
phillipsm@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter