POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Planetary Dynamicist - Boulder, Colorado

at  Southwest Research Institute

WHO WE ARE:

Contribute expertise in planetary dynamics and Moon formation studies to a team of world-class solar system scientists who are unlocking the mysteries of planetary system evolution, dynamics, and processes.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires an PhD in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics or related field.
• 0 years: Expertise in theory, programming, and numerical modeling.
• 0 years: Ability to debug code, test code, and implement new physics.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado. This is a 1 year limited term assignment.
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/Veteran
Committed to Diversity in the Workplac

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE:

• Conduct analytical or numerical modeling and model analysis studies of problems in solar system dynamics and collisional physics with relevance to planet or Moon formation studies.
• Conduct observational data analysis that supports model validation.
• Incorporate additional physical schemes into numerical models.
• Develop and grow an independent research program through external program support.
• Participate in mission and/or instrument proposals to support the strategic growth of the Department.

DAILY AND MONTHLY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently develop and implement hypotheses-driven numerical model and data analysis activities.
• Configure, initialize, run, and analyze solar system collisional and/or dynamical evolution models to test hypotheses.
• Maintain and grow a research program in solar system dynamics, Moon formation, and/or collisional physics through external funding.
• Actively seek and apply for external support of research activities.
• Participate and contribute to group meetings for the “Center of Lunar Origin and Evolution”.