Positions Available
Visiting Scientist Positions
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, is actively searching for senior planetary science professionals interested in spending time in residence at the Institute. LPI's physical proximity to NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate (ARES), and the NASA sample collection make it an ideal location for any scientist whose research would be enhanced by direct daily interaction with the ARES and LPI scientific staff.The Institute’s dynamic environment provides the perfect atmosphere for senior academics considering going on sabbatical. Visiting Scientists in residence during the summer months may also participate in the renowned LPI Undergraduate Intern Program.
Applicants may propose to work in any area of the planetary sciences, with preference given to topics that enhance the interactions between the LPI and the Astromaterials Research Group at (JSC).
Visiting Scientist positions will generally be offered for periods of 1–12 months and are available for scientists with established records of research productivity.
Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and three references. There is no firm application deadline and applications will be reviewed periodically.
Applications materials should be sent to the following address:
Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
resume@lpi.usra.edu
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Lunar Petrology: Lunar and Planetary Institute
The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary (LPI), in Houston TX, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary petrology. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Allan Treiman, analyzing the chemical compositions and origins of lunar granulites and selected rocklets in lunar breccias, with the aim of constraining the geochemical components of the lunar crust. The candidate will be encouraged to pursue planetary petrology studies of his/her choice. The lunar granulate work will include thin section petrography, mineral chemistry (major and trace elements), image analysis, reconstruction of bulk rock chemistry, and geochemical modeling.
Candidate must have a recent Ph.D. in geology or geochemistry, and experience with igneous petrology. The position is generally for two years, with a possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu by August 1, 2008. Review of candidates will begin August 20, 2008, with a hire anticipated in fall 2008. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website.The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Postdoctoral Fellow at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Volcano-Lithosphere Interactions on the Terrestrial Planets
The Universities Space Research Association’s, Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Houston, TX is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship in the field of geophysical studies of the growth and evolution of large volcanic edifices on the terrestrial planets. The successful candidate for this position will work with Dr. Patrick McGovern, exploring mechanical interactions between volcanic edifice growth (both intrusive and extrusive), lithospheric response (flexural subsidence and uplift), and magma ascent, using analytic and numerical modeling techniques, the latter including Finite Element and Particle Dynamics (Discrete Element) methods. The postdoctoral research will also entail manipulating and analyzing imagery, topography, gravity, and spectral datasets for large planetary volcanoes in order to constrain the modeling efforts. Potential bodies of interest include Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, and Io.
Candidates must have a recent Ph.D. in geophysics or geology, and experience in quantitative modeling of geophysical, geological, or magmatic processes. The position is generally for 2 years with a possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interest and a list of three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu by January 18, 2008. Review of candidates will be conducted beginning January 19, 2008. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI may be found on our website.
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Postdoctoral Positions
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) seeks a self-motivated postdoctoral researcher to undertake work in any area of the planetary sciences, with preference given to topics that enhance the interactions between LPI and the Astromaterials Research Group at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in planetary sciences or a geosciences-related field. Postdoctoral positions will be offered for an initial period of up to two years, with possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and a list of three references to:
Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
resume@lpi.usra.edu
There is no firm application deadline and applications will be reviewed periodically.
The Lunar and Planetary Institute is located in Houston, Texas. Located 25 miles from the historic Gulf Coast, Houston is a vibrant, international city famous for outstanding low cost restaurants, arts and entertainment, and outdoor activities such as bird watching and kayaking located 25 miles from the historic gulf coast.
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Lunar Research Assistant
The Universities Space Research Association’s The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI, Houston, Texas, seeks a self-motivated Lunar Research Assistant to undertake work in the area of planetary sciences. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Stephen Mackwell, performing research in support of the Constellation Systems Program Goals. Present the results of his/her work in the form of NASA reports, both oral and written publications in refereed journals and at conferences. Candidate will participate in NASA and academic community activities, and contribute to the dissemination of lunar science information in the academic community and to the general public. Candidate must have a Master of Science degree in Planetary Science, Geosciences or related fields and at least 5-10 years of professional experience. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu by July 28, 2008. Review of candidates will begin July 29, 2008, with a hire as soon as possible. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at www.lpi.usra.edu
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
"Urey Fellows" at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)
The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, seeks candidates for its “Urey Fellows” program in planetary sciences. This prestigious fellows program is aimed at the postdoctoral level and recognizes excellence in research for scientists within 5 years of completion of the PhD. Fellows are expected to perform much of their research at the LPI or within the Astromaterials Group at the Johnson Space Center (ARES), but may spend up to 6 months per year at other institutions. Fellows will be allowed significant latitude in defining their own research direction. Highly competitive levels of remuneration and support for research and travel will be provided to successful candidates.
Applicants for this position should have a Ph.D. in a planetary and space sciences-related field before taking up the position. “Urey Fellows” will be offered support for an initial period of two years, with possible extension to a maximum of three years.
Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with list of relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of proposed research, and a list of three references. Consideration of applications will begin on January 15, 2006 and will continue until positions are filled. Applications materials should be sent to
Dr. Stephen Mackwell
Director, Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston TX 77058-1113
resume@lpi.usra.edu
Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at www.lpi.usra.edu and for the ARES at ares.jsc.nasa.gov.
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Last updated August 15, 2008


