Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Lunar and Planetary Laboratory)

Posting Number
req23799

Department
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory

Department Website Link


Location
Main Campus

Address
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the field of modeling of planetary atmospheres. Research areas include hydrodynamic atmospheric escape from rocky exoplanets, nitrogen and sulfur cycling on early Mars and Earth, chemical kinetics of early Earth, Venus, Mars, and analogous exoplanets, and interior-atmosphere interactions on rocky worlds. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Ranjan in advance of their application to cooperatively discuss specific research topics of mutual interest.

Applicants should have previous experience modeling the atmospheres of planets or exoplanets, although a variety of backgrounds may be relevant. Candidates with expertise in 1D hydrodynamic escape of rocky planet atmospheres and/or in modeling early terrestrial or Martian geochemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The position is a year-to-year appointment for a period of up to three years, renewable annually contingent on funding, department needs, and satisfactory performance.

Position is opened until filled. First review of applications will begin 12/15/2025.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful applicant will conduct original research in collaboration with Prof. SukritRanjan and his group related to the composition and structure of planetaryatmospheres, with emphasis on terrestrial planet atmospheres inside and outsidethe solar system. The specific topics of research will be cooperativelynegotiated based on mutual interest, though current priorities include hydrodynamicatmospheric escape, Martian geochemistry, and photochemical kinetics as appliedto questions of astrobiological interest.
• Other responsibilities may includeparticipation in remote and in-person team meetings, presentation of results atconferences, scientific mentoring of junior colleagues, and preparation oforiginal scientific research manuscripts.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in the field of Planetary Science, Astronomy,Geoscience, or a related discipline by the start date of the position.
• Experience with numerical modeling and programming.
• Experience with modelling the climate, photochemistry, or escape of planetary or exoplanetary atmospheres.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of: modeling hydrodynamic escape from the upper atmospheres of terrestrial planets, Venusian photochemistry, interior-atmosphere interactions and outgassing.
• Experience with or interest in mentoring junior scientists.
• Experience leading peer-reviewed scientific publications.

FLSA
Exempt

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week
40

Job FTE
1.0

Work Calendar
Fiscal

Job Category
Research

Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies
1

Target Hire Date
9/7/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Dr. Sukrit Ranjan, Assistant Professor
...@arizona.edu

Open Date
8/28/2025

Open Until Filled
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant
Please submit the following with your application:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research Interest

In addition to your application, 3 letters of recommendation are required, to be submitted in PDF format to ...@arizona.edu directly by the referees. The letters are requested by 12/15/2025, and will be kept strictly confidential as part of the review process.

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