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Faculty Positions in the School of Earth and Space Exploration

Arizona State University: Office of the University Provost Tempe: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: School of Earth and Space Exploration

Location

Tempe, AZ

Open Date

Sep 01, 2023

Description

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment in Planetary Science. This is an open-rank search for an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in any area of Planetary Science. We seek an innovative scholar who is an emerging or established leader in the future of planetary exploration, and who is dedicated to the ideals of the ASU Charter. We are especially interested in applicants who can complement or extend SESE’s existing strengths in Earth and space science research and education. The anticipated start date is August 2024.

About the School of Earth and Space Exploration

SESE is a vibrant and diverse 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. Current SESE participation includes leadership of the NASA Psyche asteroid mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), thermal emission spectrometers on the Mars Odyssey, OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, and upcoming Europa Clipper missions, multiple SmallSats, and the Mastcam and Mastcam-Z imaging investigations on the Curiosity rover and Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, respectively. See http://sese.asu.edu for more information.

About 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.

ASU is dedicated to the proposition that excellence and access are not mutually exclusive. ASU ranks sixth in the U.S. for research expenditures among universities without a medical school. Simultaneously, ASU is one of the nation’s largest public universities, enrolling nearly 150,000 students from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic backgrounds, across campus and digital immersion programs. ASU has demonstrated that quality higher education can (and should) be made available to every student capable of performing university-level work while increasing, not sacrificing, excellence.

Read more about ASU at http://www.asu.edu/about and http://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu.

Essential Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to establish or extend a vibrant externally funded research program aligned with NASA planetary exploration missions, engage undergraduate and graduate students through effective teaching and mentoring, participate in service to the University and the profession, and build productive relationships with faculty both within and beyond SESE. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate will…

  • Hold a PhD in Planetary Science or a related field in the natural sciences or engineering by the time of appointment;
  • Demonstrate strong evidence of, or potential for, excellence in Planetary Science research;
  • Demonstrate strong evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching and mentoring in Planetary Science;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to working with diverse faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the ASU Charter.

Desired Qualifications:

We are especially interested in candidates who, commensurate with rank, demonstrate…

  • A record of accomplishment in Planetary Science research, such as a relevant peer-reviewed publication track record;
  • The potential to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program in Planetary Science, aligned with NASA missions;
  • Prior experience with planetary science missions and/or instrumentation;
  • Evidence of emerging or established leadership in the planetary exploration community;
  • A commitment to evidence-based practices and innovation in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
  • A commitment to fostering a culture of collegiality and transparency with colleagues, students, and mentees.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit electronically the following materials to http://apply.interfolio.com/131340

  1. a cover letter that includes contact information (including email addresses and phone numbers) for three references who may be contacted at a later stage of consideration.
  2. a comprehensive curriculum vitae that includes a complete publication record.
  3. a research statement describing previous work, interests, and anticipated future plans (not to exceed three pages, plus references and figures).
  4. a teaching statement describing experience, interests, and philosophy (not to exceed two pages)

Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Oct. 20; Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.  Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.  ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf  You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Faculty Positions with the Cosmology Initiative (SESE/Physics)

Please check back at a later time for any new openings. Thank you.

School of Earth and Space Exploration Postdoctoral Fellow

Program overview

The mission of the Exploration Fellowships is to foster a leading, interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship program in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at ASU by attracting and supporting outstanding early-career scientists. Research areas within the School encompass theoretical and observational astronomy, cosmology, astrobiology, earth sciences, climate science, planetary sciences, exploration systems engineering, astronomical instrumentation, and science education. Applicants whose dissertation research was in any of these research areas, and especially those with aspirations to extend their portfolios in an interdisciplinary way, are encouraged to apply.

The Exploration Fellowship program typically appoints up to two new Fellows per year for three-year fellowship durations. Fellows are selected through a competitive proposal process in the fall. Watch the website for information about future fellowship opportunities.

All current Exploration Fellows receive:

  • Competitive annual stipend, health benefits, and support programs (postdoc resources and  guidelines at ASU)
  • Discretionary research funds
  • Personal career mentoring through association with two primary faculty mentors in the School of Earth and Space Exploration
  • Independence in research direction and activities

Read about former and current Exploration Fellows and their research interests.

Exploration Fellowship in Earth and Space Science FY25

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University invites applications for its Postdoctoral Research Scholar Exploration Fellowship. The mission of the postdoctoral fellowship is to foster SESE’s interdisciplinary research program by attracting and supporting outstanding early-career scientists and engineers to pursue independent research in collaboration with SESE faculty. Research areas within SESE encompass theoretical and observational astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, geology, Earth surface processes, planetary science, instrumentation and systems engineering, and science education.

The anticipated start date for the position is July 2024. Incoming Fellows will receive a competitive stipend with health benefits, plus discretionary research funds. A relocation allowance will also be provided. The initial appointment is for one year with subsequent annual renewal for up to a total of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and the availability of resources.

Interested candidates should contact two faculty members in SESE to discuss potential collaborative research topics and determine whether they would agree to serve as an Exploration Fellow mentor. Preference will be given to proposals that include interdisciplinary research spanning multiple research areas within SESE and that address important questions that will have a significant impact.

Essential duties of the position: The successful applicant will conduct original research, document results, and write journal articles, and present at scientific meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. by the time of appointment in a field relevant to Earth and Space exploration, including (but not limited to) astrophysics, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and engineering. 
  • Candidates must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • A record of prior achievement and experience demonstrating the potential to accomplish proposed research objectives
  • A demonstrated interest in conducting research with relevance, interdisciplinary merit, and/or the potential to impact the overarching "big picture" research questions within the field, aligning with the mission of SESE
  • Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit to https://apply.interfolio.com/137268 to include the following:

  • A cover letter identifying the proposed research topic and the names of the two faculty mentors
  • A current curriculum vitae
  • A research proposal that demonstrates relevance, interdisciplinary merit, and/or potential impact of the proposed research activities to the overarching “big picture” research questions in the field and to the mission of SESE. No longer than five pages (including figures and references)
  • One paper exemplifying the applicant’s research
  • Contact information for three references

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be January 8, 2024.  Letters of reference will be requested as needed after that date. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at:  https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation

More information about the Exploration Fellowship can be found at:

http://sese.asu.edu/exploration-fellowship

More information about the department can be found here: https://sese.asu.edu/

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation

More information about the Exploration Fellowship can be found at: http://sese.asu.edu/exploration-fellowship

More information about our school can be found here: https://sese.asu.edu/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. (See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

COVID-19 Vaccination - Arizona State University is a federal contractor and subject to federal regulations which may require you to produce a record of a COVID-19 vaccination.  For questions about medical or religious accommodations, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s webpage: https://cfo.asu.edu/workplace-accommodations

Beus Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Beus Prize Fellowship!

The Beus Prize Fellowship for postdoctoral scholars seeks to foster and support an inclusive community of early-career scientists who will lead the next great discoveries to better understand our place in the universe.  The Fellowship is offered annually to early-career researchers within four years of earning their Ph.D.  It is up to three years in duration and comes with a competitive salary, discretionary research budget, and allocation for moving expenses.   Applications are solicited in October/November each year.  The Fellowship is open to observational and theoretical astrophysicists, discipline-based educational researchers, instrument builders, and engineers whose research aims to advance our knowledge of the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, develop new instruments and techniques to study the cosmos, and/or enhance the societal impacts of this research.

 Visit the Beus Prize Fellowship webpage for full details and application instructions.

Postdocs

Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Surface Processes

Arizona State University: Office of the University Provost Tempe: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: School of Earth and Space Exploration

Location

Tempe, AZ

Open Date

Aug 28, 2023

Description
The Surface Processes Group in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar to join their team. The successful candidate will join a team working to forward a quantitative understanding of how climate and geomorphic thresholds are manifest in landscape evolution, with focus on the history, rates, and mechanisms of canyon cutting in the Hawaiian Islands. The research effort will be collaborative with teams from the University of Idaho and Purdue University and will encompass 􀀂eld observations in remote, boulder-rich canyons, analysis of drone imaging, mapping and geochronology of volcanic deposits, and determining erosion rates from cosmogenic isotopic concentrations. The anticipated start date for the position is on or before January 6, 2024. The position includes a competitive stipend with health bene􀀂ts. The initial appointment is for one year with subsequent renewal for a second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of resources.

Essential duties of the position:

The successful applicant will (1) conduct field research on river-bed conditions, erosion processes and rates, the role of extreme events, and on the history of canyon incision, (2) document, present and publish results, (3) participate in outreach activities, and (4) coordinate collaborative  field research activities.

Essential duties of the position: The successful applicant will (1) conduct field research on river-bed conditions, erosion processes and rates, the role of extreme events, and on the history of canyon incision, (2) document, present and publish results, (3) participate in outreach activities, and (4) coordinate collaborative field research activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

Ph.D. by the time of appointment in the Earth Sciences or related field and a background in surface processes

Candidates must be within five years from receipt of their doctoral degree.

Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, to advance the ASU Charter

Desired Qualifications:

  • Expertise in landscape evolution, bedrock channel incision, extreme events, or sediment transport
  • Proficiency in analysis of digital topographic and image data
  • A strong record of research achievement and publication
  • Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit to http://apply.interfolio.com/131009 to include the following: (http://apply.interfolio.com/131009)

  • A cover letter including contact information for three references
  • A current curriculum vitae
  • A research statement not longer than two pages
  • One or more paper(s) exemplifying the applicant’s research

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be October 13, 2023. Letters of reference will be requested with a deadline of October 20, 2023. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool will be reviewed in the order in which they are received until the position is closed.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation https://graduate.asu.edu/postdocs/welcome-postdocs (https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation)

More information about the School of Earth and Space Exploration can be found here: https://sese.asu.edu/ (https://graduate.asu.edu/postdocs/welcome-postdocs) (https://sese.asu.edu/)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.  ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf  You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

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Multiple Postdoctoral Positions at the Intersection of Fundamental Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science at Arizona State University

The Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University is seeking postdoctoral candidates to join Professor Sara Walker's interdisciplinary ELife lab. The Beyond Center at ASU fosters collaborative and innovative thinking on some of the biggest questions in science and the Walker lab team conducts theoretical research aiming to uncover fundamental principles that explain life, ranging from current biological and technological examples to synthetic life and the potentialities for alien life on other planets. The research seeks to answer the question "What is Life?" by identifying universal laws that describe living systems and in turn using these to inspire new insights into life’s origins and how we might recognize life. We anticipate hiring multiple postdocs with expertise/interests including, but not exclusive to, the following areas: cheminformatics, bioinformatics, geochemistry, planetary science, alien life detection, artificial life, artificial intelligence, planetary futures, theoretical physics, mathematics, data science, software development, and computer science. Postdoctoral fellows will be supervised by Professor Sara Walker, engaging primarily in theoretical and computational work with connections to experiments and practical applications.

Details:

Initial one-year appointment with expected annual renewal for up to two years based on performance.

Funding for the position is available immediately but the start date is flexible.

Competitive salary based on candidate’s experience.

Specific areas of research are open, and subject to agreement between the candidate and the PI, but these must align with the vision and goals of the lab.

Minimum Qualifications:

Highly motivated and creative candidates holding a PhD in a field relevant to an area of research in the Walker lab are encouraged to apply, relevant areas include, but not limited to: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Planetary Science.

Evidence of strong communication skills and the ability to disseminate scholarly findings in peer reviewed publications.

Candidates should have strong computational skills and/or strong foundations in mathematics or data science.

Candidates must have demonstrated interest to conduct and publish research at the edge of disciplinary boundaries and a willingness to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

Strong computational skills and/or strong foundations in mathematics or data science.

Demonstrated ability to conduct research at the edge of disciplinary boundaries and a willingness to work on in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.

Interested Applicants should send a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest including a statement of research interests that fit within the vision of the Walker lab; and contact information for two

references including email addresses. Application materials should be sent to beyond.admin@asu.edu with subject line: “Walker lab postdoctoral fellowship applicant”. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Inquiries ONLY should be emailed directly to Professor Sara Walker (sara.i.walker@asu.edu).

A background check is required for employment.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

“In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.  ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf.  You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.”

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The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar in experimental petrology.

Applications are invited for one Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Petrology to conduct piston-cylinder solubility experiments in conjunction with the recently-awarded NASA ICAR grant, Tracing Rocky Exoplanet Compositions (TREC). TREC is an interdisciplinary grant with collaborations across seven institutions (read more). Collaborative research on grant tasks will be conducted in the EPIC lab at ASU’s main Tempe campus (lab details).

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be under the supervision of Dr. Christy Till (School of Earth and Space Exploration) and Dr. Kara Brugman (Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment). A successful applicant will conduct research, document results, write journal articles, and present their work at scientific meetings.

The initial appointment is for one year with subsequent annual renewal for up to two additional years contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of resources. The desired start date is Spring–Fall 2024. This position comes with a competitive salary, funding for travel and publications, and includes benefits such as health insurance and a voluntary retirement plan. 

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

  • Ph.D. in geological/planetary sciences/astronomy with an emphasis on planet formation, igneous petrology, geochemistry, or a similar field by the  time of appointment.
  • Candidate is within five years of receipt of Ph.D.
  • Experimental experience e.g., PC, MA, CSPV, IHPV, TZM
  • Commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Desired qualifications include:

  • 2+ years experience with the piston-cylinder apparatus
  • Strong background in igneous petrology and geochemistry, or similar field
  • Background in planet formation and/or exoplanets, or similar field
  • Strong publication record
  • Record of research and/or development accomplishment
  • Works well with collaborators and team, as well as capable of independent work
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills, problem solving skills, and a growth mindset

To apply, please go to https://apply.interfolio.com/140107 to submit a single PDF that includes the following:

  • A cover letter
  • A curriculum vitae that includes a list of refereed publications and manuscripts in progress
  • Names, affiliations, and email addresses of three referees who are familiar with the applicant’s technical abilities and research experience
  • Statement of experimental experience and research interests (≤ 2 pages)
  • Statement describing commitment to the principles of the ASU Charter (≤ 1 page)

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be March 12, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation https://graduate.asu.edu/postdocs/welcome-postdocs

A background check is required for employment. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf

You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Staff

Research Lab Manager Position in leading theory group focused on physics of life, alien life, & origins of life  

The Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science (http://beyond.asu.edu) at Arizona State University invites applications for a Research Group Coordinator position working in the lab of PI Sara Walker (http://emergence.asu.edu/). Fifty percent of the position involves leading coordination of large multi-partner, multi-center world leading theoretical research group within the Beyond Center, and participation in developing high-level research with an interdisciplinary research team. The individual will also take part and receive training in the front-line research activities of the team for the other fifty percent of the time. The Walker lab works at the intersection of theory and data science with the goal of identifying the ‘laws of life’ that will enable understanding universal properties of life, help to solve the origin of life, and enable detection of life on other worlds, as well as inform the design of synthetic and artificial life. The lab coordinator will work closely with PI Walker in managing her research group, through day-to-day supervision of research assistants, preparing and editing manuscripts, project and lab management while making a leading contribution, in liaison with the PI, in submitting grant proposals. They may additionally contribute to broader efforts in the Beyond Center in organizing scientific workshops and communicating science to the public.  

The expected start date is Fall 2023 for an initial one-year appointment with anticipated renewal based on performance, with an anticipated starting salary between $80k - $100k commensurate with experience.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a strong track record of high impact relevant research experience at a post-doctoral level or equivalent, including experience in project and personal management in a scientific context, extensive research experience including strong computational skills and software development skills, experience in scientific and technical writing, writing grant proposals/reports and securing funding within a research group, experience in the design and execution of theoretical and computational research projects, experience managing a research budget, evidence of growing reputation in the field and demonstrable research autonomy as appropriate for career stage.  

Applicants must apply using the link below.  In addition, you may send a cover letter, curriculum vitae​ including the list of publications​, letters of recommendation a​nd a​ one-page statement of interests to beyond.admin@asu.edu. Please use the subject line: Research Lab Manager.  The priority deadline for applications is September 15, 2023, however we will continue reviewing applications every week thereafter, until the position is filled. Application materials should be sent in PDF format. Inquiries ONLY should be emailed directly to Sara Walker (sara.i.walker@asu.edu).  

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. 

More details and application instructions available here:  

Research Laboratory Manager | Arizona State University (brassring.com) 

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Graduate Student Research Opportunities

Many of our faculty offer research opportunities for graduate student research (MS, PhD); below are just a few specific opportunities. We encourage you to visit our Research Facilities page and contact individual faculty members for opportunities.

Astrobiology

The ASU Astrobiology Team invites exceptional students to join us in the search for habitable environments and life beyond Earth. Our research program, centered on the theme "Follow the Elements", aims to develop strategies that will be used in future exploration of our Solar System and of planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy. This program integrates multiple disciplines, degree programs and academic units at ASU and offers opportunities for direct student involvement with NASA missions. Please visit the ASU Astrobiology webpage to learn more.

Ecohydrology

Two M.S./Ph.D. assistantships in hydrology/water resources are available starting in the Spring or Fall 2010. The assistantships can be either in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment or the School of Earth and Space Exploration. The two projects will focus on: (1) Ecohydrology of grassland-shrubland transitions to identify controls of hydrologic connectivity at multiple scales; and (2) Seasonality effects on the ecohydrology of the North American monsoon region at the catchment to regional scale. Each assistantship will require data collection, numerical modeling and data synthesis efforts in field sites in Arizona, New Mexico or Sonora, Mexico. Preference will be given to highly-motivated Ph.D. students with strong quantitative skills. For inquiries, contact Prof. Enrique R. Vivoni at vivoni@asu.edu.

NASA Space Grant

The ASU/NASA Space Grant Program awards at least 1.5 graduate fellowships for an academic year or three fellowships for a semester (fall or spring) for a proposed public outreach or informal education project focused on promoting science literacy, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This can be accomplished through educational outreach, knowledge transfer, technology transfer, science for society, and/or the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Successful candidates will identify an "educational outreach advisor" from the organization or institution (i.e., a school, museum, park/forest, or an existing educational program) they have proposed to work with. It is recommended but not a requirement that the project benefit those traditionally underrepresented. The formal or informal education proposal can be closely related with area of research, but research is not the primary focus of the fellowship. Since fellowships are very limited, projects are usually awarded for one semester. However, applications should include plans for how the project could be sustained past the time of the award. 

Graduate Fellowship applications are available each spring for the following academic year with a mid-April due date. Fellowships include a stipend of $9,100 per semester for a Master’s student or $9,600 for a PhD student, tuition (both in- and out-of-state), and health insurance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and full-time students at ASU. For more information, please refer to https://nasa.asu.edu/content/graduate-information. You can also be notified when applications are available by signing up for email notification at https://nasa.asu.edu/application-notification-list.

Paid Summer Research Programs

Most programs offer both a stipend and housing and travel support. Programs range across all STEM disciplines and all areas of the country. 70+ programs for graduate students through www.pathwaystoscience.org.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

School of Earth and Space Exploration offers undergraduate students opportunities to participate in various research projects under the guidance of faculty and researchers. Some current opportunities are listed below.

NASA Space Grant

The ASU/NASA Space Grant Program awards approximately 20-30 undergraduate students from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for the academic year. Awardees are paid stipends with a value of $1,600 per semester. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and full-time students at ASU, sophomore or higher. Undergraduate Fellows work on a research project alongside upper-level graduate students, diverse faculty members, as well as scientists and engineers. Space Grant supports undergraduates by giving them opportunities to earn money while gaining valuable experience participating in research projects and educational outreach activities. Applications from women and underrepresented groups are also encouraged.

In addition their project, Space Grant undergraduate awardees are required to:

  • Complete 20 hours of (unpaid) Informal Education
  • Participate in the annual ASU/NASA Space Grant poster session
  • Present at the Arizona Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposium

Undergraduate Fellowship applications are available each spring for the following academic year with a mid-May due date. Students are highly encouraged to have a faculty mentor selected prior to submitting an application. For those students without a faculty mentor, we have suggestions about how to find one on our Space Grant site. Please refer to https://nasa.asu.edu/content/undergraduate-information for more information. If you would like to be notified when the next round of applications opens, sign up here: https://nasa.asu.edu/application-notification-list.

Hydrologic Science and Engineering

Our research group is seeking undergraduates to assist in the development and execution of several research projects in hydrologic science and engineering. Funding for these positions comes from the Army Research Office, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. For inquiries, contact Prof. Enrique R. Vivoni at vivoni@asu.edu.

Submit a research opportunity

If you have a research project in which undergraduates can participate, please click the button below. Please provide a brief description of the project as well as a name and contact information for interested students.

Submit a research opportunity

Undergraduate Student Perspective

Leon Manfredi

Research summary and role: The Circum-Hellas Volcanic Province (CHVP) on Mars is thought to be the oldest example of point source volcanism on the planet. Using daytime-infrared images acquired by the THEMIS camera onboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft, mosaics were constructed of several regions surrounding the CHVP that appear to be volcanic in origin. Crater counts were then performed on these surfaces to determine if they are temporally related to known volcanism in the CHVP. Cratering model formation ages for these surfaces, 3.4-3.8 Ga, are similar to those of the volcanoes within the CHVP, 3.6-3.8 Ga. This research is significant because determining the age and extent of the CHVP may provide clues as to when and why there was a transition from fissure eruptions to point source volcanism.

Paid Summer Research Programs

Most programs offer both a stipend and housing and travel support. Programs range across all STEM disciplines and all areas of the country. 600+ programs for undergraduate students through www.pathwaystoscience.org.

UROCKS (Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Cave and Karst Science)
James Madison University

UROCKS is the first and only REU dedicated to study different aspects of cave and karst research in the US. We are currently looking for 10 undergraduates for the duration of the program (May 22nd to July 28th, 2023). Successful applicants will be provided with the following:

  • $600/week stipend + $100/week for food allowance
  • Transportation (airfare or mileage)
  • Housing (10 weeks)
  • Professional development sessions
  • Social events
  • Field and lab experience

UROCKS is open to everyone who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a two or four-year US-based institution.  Per NSF regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, naturalized citizens, or permanent residents of the United States.  Applicants must be rising sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students at the start of the REU.  Applicants must be willing to commit for the entire 10-week residential summer program. Students from underrepresented groups and first generation college students are highly encouraged to apply.

To learn more and apply, please visit https://www.jmu.edu/geology/urocks/index.shtml

Application deadline is January 31, 2023. Send inquiries to Dr. Ángel A Garcia Jr: garci4aa@jmu.edu (an ASU SESE alumnus!)

Undergraduate Research Internships in Seismology (URISE) - Summer 2023

URISE interns spend 8 to 10 weeks applying their math, physics, and geoscience knowledge to explore Earth processes and its interior. Research projects may involve the deployment of seismic instruments in the field (within the US or internationally), and/or analyses of seismic data in a lab setting with the ultimate goal of producing results to be presented at a national scientific meeting. Interns receive a weekly stipend, support for travel and housing, and full funding to attend the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union. See intern projects from 2022 to gain a sense of the possibilities.

We are excited to receive applications from students representing the full spectrum of society, as well as students with lived experiences such as students with disabilities, veterans, and non-traditional students!

To learn more and apply, please visit the Undergraduate Research Internships in Seismology website.

The deadline for students is February 1 and the deadline for mentors is February 15.