Research and Employment Opportunities

SESE is engaged in a very broad research portfolio that encompasses observational, computational, experimental, and theoretical projects.

Our research volume, as measured by annual awards, is growing and reached the $15M mark in FY2008. Major funding sources include the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and various private companies and foundations. SESE researchers conduct field work on every continent on Earth; they send probes to the Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Europa; and they employ ground-based and orbiting telescopes to interrogate deep space.

Opportunities to join SESE in Astrobiology, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Earth and Space Education, Geology, Geophysics, Engineering, and Planetary Science are offered from time-to-time as various funding streams become available. Listed below are a few current, specific opportunities.

Faculty Positions in SESE

Established in 2006, the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) is the focal point for earth and space science and engineering at Arizona State University, one of the largest and fastest growing institutions of higher learning in the United States. An essential part of the SESE mission is an effective integration of disciplines such as astrophysics, biogeochemistry, geology, geophysics, hydrology and engineering for scientific exploration.

Over the next two years, the School will be hiring a large number of faculty – at a variety of ranks – in order to build its capacity for transdisciplinary research and education in earth and space science and engineering. Our hiring priorities are:

Atmospheric and Climate Sciences

We seek applicants with research interests such as regional-scale weather and climate processes; land-atmosphere interactions in natural and human-modified landscapes; long-term coupling and feedbacks between climate and landscape evolution; and/or hydroclimatology of arid and semiarid regions.

While a range of techniques and methods are appropriate to address these topics, we are specifically targeting candidates with a strong quantitative/modeling background and experience in data analysis from ground and/or remote sensing platforms. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Applicants with an interest in or on-going activities in the western U.S. or the US/Mexico border area are particularly encouraged. The ability to collaborate with a broad range of other faculty members across ASU is highly desirable, including SESE, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, School of Sustainability, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu,edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Environmental Sensor Networks

We welcome applications from those with interests in sensor networks and robotics. Specifically, we seek applicants who are interested in developing techniques for integrating large arrays of static and mobile sensors and robots to monitor physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the evolution of Earth’s surface and near surface environments. Research interests could range from the development of control and distributed sensing algorithms to the field deployment of sensor networks and robots for environmental observations. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Opportunities are available for joint appointments with other academic units within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Extrasolar Planet Studies

We welcome candidates who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary research on the nature, formation, and evolution of extrasolar planets. Both observational and theoretical studies are of interest. Specific research areas might include but are not limited to: spectroscopy of planets and their host stars, novel techniques used to search for and characterize exoplanets, planetary interior models, and planetary dynamics. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references.

Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Molecular Geobiology

We seek applicants who employ quantitative methods to integrate data from the molecular (genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic, metabalomic, etc.) and geobiological (biogeochemical, isotopic, biomarker, morphofossil, etc.) records of life. Research interests could span the range from assessing the evolutionary origins of biogeochemical and enzymatic interactions in living systems, to testing hypotheses about the interactions of organisms and environments in the history of life by combining genomic and fossil data. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Opportunities are available for joint appointments with other academic units within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references.

Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Planetary Atmospheres

We welcome applications from those who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of planetary atmospheres. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Atmospheres of all planetary bodies are of interest, including those of Mars, Titan, gas giants, and hot Jupiter-like planets in extrasolar systems. Areas of interest include: atmospheric dynamics at global, regional, or mesoscales, atmospheric state, composition, origin and evolution, and surface-atmosphere interactions. These studies could be focused on numerical modeling, observations, data analysis, instrument design and development, or some combination of these approaches. Successful applicants will be expected to interact with the current and future SESE directions, including planetary surface processes and dynamics, astrobiology, climatology, and/or the formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Planetary Surface Processes

We welcome applications from those who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of planetary surface processes. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Specifically, we seek applicants with interests in how the surfaces of rocky and ice-rich objects are shaped by processes including tectonics, volcanism, impact cratering, and sedimentary processes. Such studies would benefit from new perspectives in planetary geomorphology, geochemistry, volcanology, hydrology, and/or structural geology, using planetary remote sensing, modeling, terrestrial analog investigations, or some combination of these approaches.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references.

Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.
 

Observational Cosmology

The ASU Cosmology Initiative, a joint venture of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Physics, seeks to hire a junior faculty member in observational cosmology.

The ideal candidate would be an observer engaged in exciting forefront research targeting at least one of the following areas: The cosmic dark ages, First Light and reionization, galaxy assembly and evolution, AGN and supermassive black holes, or large scale structure. The position will build on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope, be able to use the refurbished Hubble, and in the future the James Webb Space Telescope and other facilities.

The successful candidate would join the faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). They will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues working on a wide range of topics including galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, and reionization; dark matter and dark energy; particle astrophysics and the physics of the early universe; stellar physics and cosmic explosions; star-formation and stellar evolution; the formation and evolution of planetary systems; astronomical instrumentation; astrobiology; planetary geology; and geophysics and geology.

Faculty at ASU can apply for time on Arizona Observatory facilities, including the 6.5m MMT at Mt Hopkins, the two 6.5m Magellan telescopes in Chile, the 2.3m Bok and 1.8m VATT telescopes, the 2x8.4m LBT at Mt Graham, and the 10m Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope, with access to the 22m Giant Magellan Telescope anticipated upon its completion. In addition, they have access to on-site facilities including laboratories and clean rooms.

ASU offers a stimulating intellectual environment, along with competitive salary, benefits, and startup packages.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, or an equivalent qualification. They should also have a strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature. A demonstrated record of obtaining research funding will be a plus.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a full curriculum vitae, a research and teaching statement, and contact information for 3 references.
Letters of recommendation (PDF or Word preferred) should be emailed separately to cosmology@asu.edu.  Please reference the applicant's name in the subject line of the email.

Submit Application

Deadline: December 15, 2009

Please direct questions to  cosmology@asu.edu .

Instrumentation Development

The ASU Cosmology Initiative, a joint venture of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Physics, seeks to hire either a senior or junior faculty member working in instrumentation development for cosmology or a closely related branch of astrophysics. These instrumentation efforts can be space based, suborbital, balloon or aircraft, and/or include building ground-based  instruments. The university is prepared to make substantial investments in the infrastructure necessary to support this position.

The successful candidate would join the faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE).  They will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues working on a wide range of topics including galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, and reionization; dark matter and dark energy; particle astrophysics and the physics of the early universe; stellar physics and cosmic explosions; star formation and stellar evolution in cosmological contexts; the formation and evolution of planetary systems; astronomical instrumentation; astrobiology; planetary geology; and geophysics and geology.
 
Faculty at ASU can apply for time on Arizona Observatory facilities, including the 6.5m MMT at Mt Hopkins, the two 6.5m Magellan telescopes in Chile, the 2.3m Bok and 1.8m VATT telescopes, the 2x8.4m LBT at Mt Graham, and the 10m Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope, with access to the 22m Giant Magellan Telescope anticipated upon its completion.  In addition,  they have access to onsite facilities including laboratories and clean rooms.

ASU offers a stimulating intellectual environment, along with competitive salary, benefits, and startup packages.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, or an equivalent qualification.  They should also have a strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature.  A demonstrated record of obtaining development funding will be vital.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a full curriculum vitae, a research and teaching statement, and contact information for 3 references.
Letters of recommendation (PDF or Word preferred) should be emailed separately to cosmology@asu.edu.  Please reference the applicant's name in the subject line of the email.

Submit Application

Deadline: December 15, 2009

Please direct questions to  cosmology@asu.edu .

ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity among applicants and promotes a diverse workforce.
 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Positions available to assist in various research projects, including data analysis for Mars, laboratory experiments, and geological field work.

Contact: Ronald Greeley

Read about a current undergraduate student's research experience .

Opportunities for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers

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.