Postdoctoral Position in Lunar Science

The department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa is searching for a postdoctoral research scientist to study the interaction of the space plasma environment with the Moon's surface, exosphere, and crustal magnetic fields. The successful candidate will join a growing lunar science group at the University of Iowa, with leadership roles in current and future lunar missions, and a range of national and international collaborations. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with new data from current and future lunar missions, including THEMIS-ARTEMIS, LuSEE, and Lunar Vertex. The candidate will also help develop future lunar mission concepts, including science goals and instrumentation.

A Ph.D. in physics, planetary science, or a related field is required by the start of the position, and a strong background in space plasma physics is desirable. Previous experience working with spacecraft data is highly desirable, and familiarity with IDL or comparable programming and computational tools is a plus.

The candidate will join a vibrant space physics group at the University of Iowa, with current involvement in TRACERS, MAVEN, THEMIS-ARTEMIS, Parker Solar Probe, Helioswarm, Juno, MMS, the Van Allen Probes, and e-POP, as well as sounding rockets, CubeSats, and technology development efforts. The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, an accessible and affordable midwest college town with diverse cultural opportunities, consistently rated one of the top ten places to live in the country.

Please contact Prof. Jasper Halekas (jasper-halekas@uiowa.edu) with any questions about the position. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, list of publications, a brief statement of research background and interests, and a list of three professional references to Prof. Halekas by e-mail (jasper-halekas@uiowa.edu). Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basic of race, creed, color, religions, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities.