Postdoctoral Research Scholar – Mineral Physics

Arizona State University: Office of the University Provost Tempe: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: School of Earth and Space Exploration

Location

Tempe, Arizona

Open Date

Sep 26, 2024

Description

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar in Mineral physics.

 Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in high-pressure research within the Mineral Physics Group ([Dan Shim Lab] (https://www.DanShimLab.info)) at Arizona State University (ASU). The successful candidate will conduct experimental studies to investigate the interaction between metallic iron and silicate melt, focusing on the early magma oceans of Mars, Earth, and Venus, as well as atmosphere-interior interactions in early rocky planets, sub-Neptune, and lava-world exoplanets. The researcher will perform a series of experiments using a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell at ASU and synchrotron facilities. Additionally, the researcher will conduct multi-anvil press experiments at the Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment (FORCE) and operate the hydrogen gas loading system at ASU. Sample analysis will involve techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The researcher will also analyze the data and develop models to elucidate the planetary implications of the experimental results. Travel will be required for synchrotron experiments and to present research findings at scientific conferences.

About the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE)

SESE is a vibrant community that combines the strengths of science, engineering, and education to set the stage for a new era of exploration. Research in SESE includes, but is not limited to, the geology, geophysics, and geochemistry of Earth and other planetary bodies, exploration systems design and instrumentation, exoplanets, astrobiology, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and Earth and space science education. A central part of SESE’s mission is to develop and deploy new technologies that enable scientific exploration, building on half a century of ASU faculty, staff, and student participation and leadership in Solar System exploration. SESE maintains world-class shared facilities and expertise to support the development and operation of space missions. Current SESE participation includes leadership of the NASA Psyche asteroid mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), thermal emission spectrometers on the Mars Odyssey, OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, and upcoming Europa Clipper missions, multiple SmallSats, and the Mastcam and Mastcam-Z imaging investigations on the Curiosity rover and Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, respectively. See http://sese.asu.edu for more information.

About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large and curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

•  A Ph.D. in Earth sciences, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field by the start date. Candidates must have received their doctoral degree within the last four years.
•  Extensive experience with high-pressure experimental techniques and analytical methods for sample characterization.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with laser-heated diamond-anvil cells or multi-anvil presses.
• Experience with Synchrotron X-ray techniques.
• Experience with Raman and infrared spectroscopy.
• Experience with electron microscopy.
• Demonstrated commitment to work with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Application Instructions

The application deadline is October 15, 2024.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter
• Contact information for three references
• A curriculum vitae with a publication list
• A statement of past research accomplishments and future research goals (three pages or less)