Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow in the Planetary Sciences, an interdisciplinary group comprised of the Astronomy and Earth & Environmental Science Departments at Wesleyan University. The Teaching Fellow position is structured with time devoted to research and teaching, with a teaching load of one course per semester plus organizing the planetary science seminar. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. Teaching mentoring will be provided by the planetary science faculty. The precise research direction will be driven by the candidate with research mentoring from the planetary science faculty most closely aligned with the subject. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be encouraged to interact with other faculty, postdocs and students in Planetary Science and to carry out independent research with full access to observational, laboratory and field facilities available. Expertise in Planetary Science includes the geology of solar system bodies including Venus, Mars, and the Moon, cosmochemistry, planet formation, and exoplanet discovery and characterization. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in planetary science, astronomy, or geology in hand by the time of appointment to be hired as a postdoc.
Wesleyan University, located between New York City and Boston, has a small and active planetary science program which emphasizes involvement of undergraduate and M.A. students in research and includes some grant-funded postdoctoral researchers. The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to engage with our research community, including mentoring students in research. The position has been approved for 3 years, structured with an initial 1-year appointment with the additional 2 years contingent upon performance. Anticipated start date is September 1, 2022.
The following documents are required (submitted electronically): (1) Cover letter, (2) Current curriculum vitae with publication list, (3) Statement of research experience and interests, (4) Statement of teaching, and (5) email addresses of three referees from whom we will obtain confidential letters of recommendation. These materials should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to help us cultivate a diverse and inclusive community. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications received by 10 March 2022 will be given full consideration. Please contact Stefanie Dinneen at [email protected] if you have questions about the application process.