Postdoctoral Research Scholars at the Intersection of Planet Formation and Shock Physics

Role details

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for two postdoctoral research positions to work with Professor Sarah Stewart. The successful candidates will join an active research group working at the intersection of the planet formation and evolution and the high-pressure properties of geologic materials. The positions may involve one or more of the following research areas: (i) High-pressure physics and materials science; (ii) Planetary impact processes; (iii) Planet formation and evolution.

The research will involve close interaction with collaborators in the Center for Matter under Extreme Conditions ( https://cmec.ucsd.edu/ ) and/or the Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures ( https://cmap.rochester.edu/ ). These are full-time, benefits-eligible positions with an anticipated start date as early as January 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, university needs, and available resources. Each position includes an annual salary of $71,000 and a $5,000 relocation allowance.

Multiple areas of research may be supported by available funding; the specific goals of the position are subject to agreement between the candidate and PI. School of Earth and Space Exploration SESE is a vibrant community that combines the strengths of science, engineering, and education to set the stage for a new era of exploration. Research in SESE includes, but is not limited to, the geology, geophysics, and geochemistry of Earth and other planetary bodies, exploration systems design and instrumentation, exoplanets, astrobiology, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and Earth and space science education.

A central part of SESE’s mission is to develop and deploy new technologies that enable scientific exploration, building on half a century of ASU faculty, staff, and student participation and leadership in Solar System exploration. SESE maintains world-class shared facilities and expertise to support the development and operation of space missions. See http://sese.asu.edu for more information. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale.

We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu . Arizona State University ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university.

As articulated in the ASU Charter , ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Essential Functions

Conduct original research addressing important questions in applicant’s field Document findings and publish high-impact results Present at scientific meetings Engage in research collaborations Help enhance the societal impacts of science and engineering through community outreach or other activities Required Qualifications: PhD in Physics, Planetary Science or a related field by the time of appointment. Candidates must be within four years from receipt of their doctoral degree. Desired Qualifications: Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with shock wave experiments and/or modeling. Experience with models of planetary impacts or planetary interiors.

A demonstrated record of research achievement and scholarly productivity, as evidenced by publications, presentations, software, instrumentation contributions, or other accomplishments that indicate strong potential to carry out the proposed research program. Demonstrated commitment to collaborating with our faculty members, staff, students, and external partners to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.