Astrobiology Postdoctoral Fellows - University of Hawaii

The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) invites applications for postdoctoral
fellows with a strong interest in astrobiology to collaborate with the
University of Hawaii's NASA Astrobiology Institute lead team members.
The UH lead team will maintain an innovative multi-disciplinary
research environment linking biological, microbiological, chemical,
geological and astronomical sciences to investigate the origin,
history, distribution and role of water as it relates to life in the
universe.  The core of this program will center around interactions
with an interdisciplinary group of postdoctoral fellows.  Areas of
primary research collaboration will be (1) formation and measurement
of astrobiologically important molecules such as sugars, aminoacids,
carboxylic acids, carbon homologoues, hopanes, steranes, and head to head
isoprenoids, as well as interpretation of the redox environment as it
pertains to life in water-rich extraterrestrial ice analog samples, (2)
star formation (IR spectroscopy of sources in and behind dark clouds;
sub-mm interferometry of disks), (3) studies of small solar system
primitive bodies (including both IR spectra, and isotopic studies),
(4) modeling the incorporation of water into pre-planetary grains; (5)
mineralogy, petrology and isotope (D/H) chemistry of aqueously-altered
carbonaceous chondrites; (6) incorporation of water into planetary
bodies, its cycling between surface and interior and its subsequent
loss to space; (7) aqueous alteration on Mars; (8) evolution and
diversity of microorganisms, especially those living in extreme and
unusual Earth environments; (9) experimental and field investigation of
indigenous microbiota and energetics of potential metabolic pathways in
ocean crust and mantle rocks as analogs for early Earth habitats; (10)
the ecology and biogeochemistry of extreme aqueous environments on the
Earth, including subglacial lakes, high-altitude lakes and fumaroles as
analogs to habitats elsewhere in the solar system; (11) the development of
astrobiological instruments; and (12) models of theoretical ocean-bearing
extrasolar planets and their remote characterization (13) the development
of collaborative multidisciplinary computing techniques.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. and and the expertise appropriate
for the specific research focus selected by the applicant.  This could
include (but is not limited to):

- Expertise in infrared astronomical spectroscopy and research experience
  in star formation, circumstellar disks, or small solar system bodies
- Experience with astronomical sub-millimeter spectroscopy & interferometry
- Background in experimental physical chemistry (reaction dynamics, photo-
  chemistry, charged and neutral particle sources and high vacuum technology)
- Experience with solar nebula models
- Familiarity with basic analyses of seawater based fluids,
  microbial molecular genetic techniques, and thermodynamic modeling of
  fluid-rock solution systems;
- Strong research programming skills (Java/C++/other) with an interest in
  collaborative computing and/or artificial intelligence.
- Experience with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron
  and ion microprobes; experience in geo/cosmochemistry or physicochemistry.
- Experience in marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry
- Molecular Biology and microbiology techniques
- Modeling of upper atmospheric chemistry and physics
- Analysis of remote sensing of terrestrial surface and atmosphere
- Experience in the design and construction of instrumentation

Additional desirable qualifications

- Education and public outreach is an integral part of the Astrobiology
program and experience with or interest in E/PO will be considered
positively in an application.

The successful candidates will have access to unequaled astronomical
observing facilities at the Mauna Kea and Haleakala observatories, an
Ultra-High Vacuum Surface scattering machine, a 5 spectrometer electron
microprobe and scanning electron microscope, a prototype Cryobot,
fully-equipped molecular biology and microbiology laboratories, the R/V
Kilo Moana oceanographic research ship, and the University of Hawaii
Undersea Research Laboratory.  In addition, successful candidates will
be in close proximity to a variety of unique aquatic habitats (open
ocean, high-altitude lakes, fumaroles).  Appointments will be up to 3
years assuming satisfactory progress.  Fellows will receive a stipend
of $4,333 per mo, a relocation allowance and small research budget.
Fellows may apply for an subsequent 2 year position as senior fellows.

Applicants are expected to propose a program of research
in consultation with the lead team members.  Please address
application materials including a complete application form
(http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/UHNAI/application.html), which includes a CV,
publication list, a research proposal describing connections to at least
2 lead team members (see http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/UHNAI) and a list of at
least three professional references to Dr. Rolf Kudritzki, Director,
Institute for Astronomy, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Request that the letters of recommendation are sent directly to this
same address. Further details may be obtained from Dr. Rolf Kudritzki
at 808-956-8566 or email [log in to unmask]  Questions about the UH
Astrobiology lead team's program may be directed to Dr. K. J. Meech.
Applications will be reviewed beginning Dec. 15, 2003, but the positions
will remain open until filled.  The University of Hawaii is an EEO/AA
employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.