The School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for up to 3 postdoctoral scholar positions in the areas of planetary science, geoscience, astronomy and astrophysics, or other related fields with potential applications to planetary science.

The School of Earth and Space Exploration, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a world leading interdisciplinary planetary science program, committed to expanding the frontiers of knowledge through the exploration of Earth, space, matter, time, and life. Fellows will conduct research in an area of planetary science, or complementary fields with applications to planetary science, and bring life experiences and expertise that promote diverse representation in planetary sciences.

Job duties for these positions are to develop and carry out independent or collaborative research programs with the mentorship of one or more School of Earth and Space Exploration faculty members; produce relevant scholarly products; and mentor students in research.  Teaching opportunities may be available, but teaching is not an assigned duty. Opportunities to submit or collaborate on grant proposals also may be available, but external funding is not required. Fellows are also expected to engage with other Fellows in building a peer mentoring community and forwarding the ASU Charter mission of inclusive excellence. We seek applicants and nominations from those who have experience teaching, mentoring, and developing research in ways that effectively address the unique challenges of scholars from historically underrepresented backgrounds in planetary science.

The postdoctoral scholars selected will join a cohort of 10-15 other postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The goal of the program is to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter into a future tenure track appointment at ASU. Incoming Fellows will receive a competitive salary with health benefits, plus discretionary research funds. A relocation stipend allowance will also be provided.

The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented or underserved in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to inclusive excellence.  Examples of such contributions are research, teaching, mentorship, service or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations that increases equitable access and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

The School of Earth and Space Exploration has committed to provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure track appointment. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

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 and Characteristics

Successful candidates will engage in scholarly research and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel including grant writing and teaching.

Minimum qualifications

• A Ph.D. in planetary science, geology, astronomy, remote sensing or a closely related discipline, with degree to be conferred prior to start of the appointment. Candidate must be within four years from receipt of the doctoral degree Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish research in planetary science, or a complementary field with potential applications in planetary science Evidence of strong communication skills, and the ability to disseminate scholarly findings in peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter, especially in regards to expanding educational opportunities in planetary science and related STEM fields to underserved populations.

Desired qualifications

• Evidence of teaching ability in an academic environment. Experiences or expertise in research, teaching, mentoring and/or service that addresses barriers to inclusion in planetary science and related fields in the U.S. secondary and postsecondary educational system. Demonstrated potential for leadership in research, scholarly activities, outreach, teaching and other professional activities. Demonstrated interest in research mentorship of graduate students. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in research.

This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Tempe campus. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure track position may be offered, depending on each fellow’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit. 

Applications and Inquiries

Applications can be submitted online via http://apply.interfolio.com/133112 . Application materials should include:

• a curriculum vitae
• a letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications noted above
• contact information for 3 references including email addresses.

Application initial deadline is October 18, 2023. 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 can be directed to search committee chair, Prof. Rhonda Stroud at rhonda.stroud@asu.edu .

A background check is required for employment.

ASU 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, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information on ASU’s policies, please see: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and its complete non-discrimination statement at: 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.