Dear colleagues, The Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability (CPO2H) of the Rice Space Institute (RSI) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral associate position to conduct independent research that contributes to the scientific mission of the newly established center. The center's areas of interest span a broad range of topics, including the formation and evolution of planetary systems, the origin, delivery, distribution, and cycling of life-essential elements on planets, the interaction between planets and their host stars, comparative planetology, processes and properties of planetary interiors, the physical and chemical interactions between the interiors and planetary surface environments, planetary surface processes, Earth history to understand evolution of planetary systems, the emergence of life, and coupled evolution of life and planetary environments. Scholars with a record of cutting-edge research in any sub-disciplines of Earth and planetary sciences, astrobiology, astronomy/astrophysics, and space science are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with one or more Rice University Earth and planetary scientists, astrophysicists, and space physicists using observations, laboratory experiments, geo- and cosmochemical analyses, theory, and numerical models. The successful candidate is likely to be hosted in either the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences or the Department of Physics & Astronomy; however, they can collaborate with any member of the Rice community. The appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third year upon funding availability and based on progress and performance. The start date is negotiable. The initial annual salary for the RSI-CPO2H Postdoctoral Associate will be comparable to other Earth and planetary science, astronomy, and astrobiology prize fellowships. It is subject to annual review and adjustment. In addition, the CPO2H post-doc researcher will receive support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs. The following documents must be submitted to receive full consideration for the position. (a) Curriculum vitae with a list of publications, (b) a two-page statement of research interests and past research accomplishments, (c) and at least three letters of recommendation. The applicants and the referees should send the application materials to origins2habitability@rice.edu. The application deadline is February 15, 2025. For questions, please contact – origins2habitability@rice.edu The candidates must have completed a doctoral degree in Earth Sciences, Planetary Science, Geophysics, Astrobiology, Astrophysics, Space Physics, or a related field at the time of the appointment. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed their PhD no earlier than December 2019. *Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.* Best wishes, Raj -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rajdeep Dasgupta Maurice Ewing Professor of Earth Systems Science Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Director, Rice Space Institute Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability Rice University 6100 Main Street, MS-126 Houston, TX 77005 Phone: +1-713-348-2664 (office); +1-713-348-2144 (lab) Fax: +1-713-348-5214 https://www.dasgupta.rice.edu https://www.cleverplanets.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------