Postdoctoral position in planetary science

The Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille | Aix-Marseille University invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work with Drs. P. Vernazza and L. Jorda.  The objective of the project is to test various scenarios of the dynamical evolution of the Solar System to constrain the formation locations of the main compositional classes of small bodies which remain as of today purely speculative. To achieve this science objective, the orbital evolution of assumed primordial small-bodies populations will be computed under the effect of protoplanet migration and growth and compared to i) spectrophotometric observations and up-to-date modeling of the surface composition of small bodies throughout the Solar System and ii) mineralogical, textural and isotopic constraints from meteorites. This project will benefit from an ongoing collaboration with Dr. M. Brož (Charles University, Prague), expert in Solar System dynamics.

The position is for one year, renewable for a second year upon mutual agreement. The starting date would be anytime between now and Sept 1, 2023, depending on the applicant's availability. Candidates must have a PhD in astronomy, physics, or the equivalent, by the date of appointment. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and a statement (not to exceed 2 pages) explaining research interests and qualifications, and arrange for two letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and all applications received by the deadline will receive full consideration.