The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX, invites applications for a full-time staff scientist. We seek a mid-career, self-motivated scientist with a strong record of outstanding research and a demonstrated record of external funding. We will also consider applications from early career scientists with similar research records and a history of successful research grants. We especially wish to augment and extend our expertise in astromaterials research, specifically the petrology and geochemistry of planetary materials, including extraterrestrial solid and terrestrial analog samples. The successful applicant will maintain and enhance the strong ties between the LPI and our colleagues at the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC); existing or recent collaborative projects with ARES researchers are desirable. The applicant will have access to the LPI’s analytical facilities (https://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/science-labs-equipment/) and would be able to arrange access to ARES’ analytical facilities (e.g., SEM, EMP, LA-ICP-MS) and experimental laboratories (e.g., high P-T petrology, hydrothermal, impact). Further information on current LPI staff members, research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at www.lpi.usra.edu . Information on the 20+ research laboratories at ARES can be found here https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/research/laboratories/ .

At the LPI, the successful candidate will enjoy interactions with the diverse Science Staff, scientists at the nearby ARES Division (JSC), and with faculty of nearby universities such as Rice University and the University of Houston. The LPI Science Staff has expertise in many areas of planetary science, is leading a new NASA Support for Planetary Sample Science team focused on training in astromaterials sample handling and research, includes a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) team focused on the Moon and on impact processes, and includes a growing astrobiology laboratory.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, Geosciences (e.g., Geology, Geochemistry), Astrobiology, Astronomy, Physics or related relevant fields, ideally with at least 10 years of experience as a scientist. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident and must be able to pass a detailed government background investigation. The successful candidate will be expected to: design and conduct research in planetary science; maintain, propose for and receive external funding for research; support and advise post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and/or undergraduate summer interns; maintain or seek involvement with spacecraft missions; and participate with NASA and the science community in review panels, analysis and advisory groups. Experience in managing diverse science personnel would be an asset.

Part of the role of an LPI staff scientist is to support NASA and the planetary science community. This support includes (but is not limited to) activities such as: conceiving and implementing broad, multi-year science research programs that may involve other LPI and/or ARES personnel; maintaining and managing the LPI’s SEM and spectrometers; participating in the XSPACE meteorite curation facility; participating in LPI’s summer intern programs; working with visiting scientists on NASA-funded research; supporting workshops and conferences focused on topics in planetary science; and involvement in public engagement activities. Experience in some of these areas is expected, along with excellent communication skills.

For more information about the position, please contact the LPI Interim Director, Dr. Walter Kiefer at kiefer@lpi.usra.edu. Interested applicants should apply to the USRA Careers posting and submit all materials via ADP; application material submitted outside of this platform will not be considered. The required application material includes (1) cover letter evidencing the qualifications of the applicant to this position, (2) curriculum vitae with list of publications and research grant history, (3) two- to three-page statement of research interests and plans describing the candidate’s expected independent research program at the LPI, and (4) list of at least three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin after March 22, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Gender & Gender Identity / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation.