Job Summary
This Postdoctoral Fellow position is aimed at carrying out investigations with SuperCam Mars data and related Perseverance rover data to understand the geology and past habitability of the Jezero crater landing site. The work involves studying the geochemistry and derived mineral compositions from LIBS, Raman spectroscopy, and VISIR reflectance spectroscopy to determine implications for Mars’ past habitability.
Study SuperCam spectral and derived data, work with students and colleagues to understand chemical and mineral relationships. Participate in laboratory work to support investigations on Mars. Investigation of ChemCam/MSL data is also possible, particularly for comparison between the two locations on Mars.
Participate in operation of the SuperCam instrument, fill science roles to help select targets, check downlinked science data, and participate in decision making for the Perseverance rover’s traverse and activities; participate in organizing the operations.
Publish papers on results of investigations, write and submit abstracts for conferences, and give presentations on results in the department, at rover team meetings, conferences, and public events.
Job Family
Research
Job Sub Family
Post Docs
Employee Class
Post Doc
Career Stream
Post Graduate
Benefits Eligibility
YES
Education
A recent PhD in a field with strong planetary science emphasis.
Experience
A planetary geochemistry and/or mineralogy background is required. Experience with at least one of the SuperCam spectral techniques (LIBS, Raman, reflectance spectroscopy) is strongly desired.
FLSA Status
Exempt
