Employment and Research Opportunities

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

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

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 2025. 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, planetary science, biology, and engineering. 
• Candidates must be within four years from receipt of doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• Record of prior achievement and experience demonstrating the potential to accomplish proposed research objectives.
• 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.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit to http://apply.interfolio.com/157444 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 December 9, 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 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.

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.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 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.

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.”

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.

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.