Postdoctoral Associate - Rice Space Institute

Position Summary:

The Center for Planetary Origins to Habitability (CPO2H: https://www.origins2habitability.rice.edu/) of the Rice Space Institute (RSI) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral associate position to conduct independent research that advances the center's scientific mission. 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 may be affiliated with any Rice department and 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, although we would prefer a start early in 2027. 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, and (c) at least three letters of recommendation. 

The applicants and the referees should send the application materials to origins2habitability@rice.edu.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

For questions, please contact origins2habitability@rice.edu.

Workplace Location:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at 6100 Main Street. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD 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 2022.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills 
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate, and to motivate others  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction 
• Excellent time management skills 

Essential Functions:

• Performs experiments and analyzes data
• Publishes and presents research findings

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.