CATA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Planetary Sciences

The Exoplanets and Astrobiology group that constitutes Area 6 of the Center of Excellence in Astrophysics and Associated Technologies (CATA), is seeking applications for a postdoc position in Planetary sciences, broadly defined, with particular interests in planetary geochemistry, cosmochemistry, astromaterials and astrobiology, as well as comparative planetology, planet-scale modeling, and planetary habitability of the solar system and beyond. Applicants using analytical, remote sensing, sample-based (e.g. meteorites and micrometeorites), and modeling approaches are welcome. The Chilean government scientific agency (ANID) has a special annual call for projects related to Antarctic science that have to be carried out in the territory occupied by Chilean scientific bases in Antarctica, through the management of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH). One possible research line expressed by members of Area 6 is to propose an expedition for sampling pristine meteorites and micro-meteorites, with the goal to find UltraCarbonaceous Antarctic MicroMeteorites (UCAMMs), along with other biological extremophile samples. For this purpose, a candidate with interest in developing research in astrobiology would be highly desirable.

Successful candidates are expected to establish a multidisciplinary research program that will involve other researchers from Area 6.  Ample opportunities to interact with other postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students will be possible, and outreach activities for the broader scientific and non-scientific community are numerous. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. degree in Earth, Environmental, or Planetary Science or a related field by the time of the appointment. Applicants will be required to submit the following: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research; and (4) the names, affiliations, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references. Applications must be submitted to this online form by December 12th, 2022 to ensure full consideration.

The CATA is a large government-funded Astronomical Center working in seven scientific areas ranging from cosmology and large scale structure of the Universe, to Solar System research, including most fields in observational, theoretical, and computational astrophysics, as described here.