Paleontología en el espacio

ORIGEN DE LA VIDA, VESTIGIOS DE LA VIDA EN EL UNIVERSO

> CALTECH POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR POSITIONS AT JPL
>>
>> The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Postdoctoral Scholars
>> Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is seeking enthusiastic and
>> excellent researchers to apply for positions in its Astrobiology Research
>> Group. The appointees will be guided by Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund, Senior
>> Scientist in the Science Division, as the JPL advisor to ensure that the
>> research work will result in publications in the open literature. The
>> positions are in the following areas:
>>
>> 1) Operation of Planetary Simulations Relevant to Mars
>> ======================================================
>> The successful applicant will be involved in the overall definition of
>> science investigations and the analysis of data relevant to Mars space
>> missions. He/she will use existing laboratory analysis facilities, and be
>> responsible for the design and fabrication of special simulation equipment.
>> The simulation studies will address the stability and evolution of organic
>> matter on the martian surface and implications for extinct and extant life on
>> Mars. The applicant will also participate in the scientific support of space
>> instrument development for the detection of organic matter and bio-signatures
>> on Mars. This involves working and publishing with Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund
>> and other members of the Astrobiology group. Applicants should have a PhD in
>> space science, preferably in planetary geology or have an equivalent
>> qualification in engineering. He/she should have some experience in
>> laboratory simulations, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. He/she
>> must have the experimental mechanical and electronic skills that are required
>> to design and partly fabricate simulation chambers and conduct related tests.
>> A good track record, as measured by experimental developments and
>> publications, is required.
>>
>>
>> 2) Analysis of Carbonaceous Material from Meteoritic Matter, Impact
>> Sediments, and Extraterrestrial Dust
>> =====================================================
>> The successful applicant will be involved in the analysis of carbonaceous
>> material from meteoritic matter, impact sediments, and extraterrestrial dust
>> and contribute to the design of space instrumentation for the measurements of
>> organics from solar system material (in-situ or returned samples). The
>> applicant will also participate in the scientific support of data analysis
>> and related field tests. This involves working and publishing with Dr.
>> Pascale Ehrenfreund and other scientists within JPL. Applicants should have a
>> PhD degree in the area of geology, chemistry, preferably with expertise in
>> the analysis of extraterrestrial matter. The applicant should have
>> experience in extraction methods and subsequent analysis of carbonaceous
>> material using spectroscopy, chromatography and stable isotope techniques. A
>> good publication record is required.
>>
>> 3) Experimentally Tracing the Key Steps in the Origin of Life
>> ========================================================
>> The successful applicant will investigate how building blocks self-assemble
>> and transform themselves into a minimal living system. He/she will
>> particularly address the questions how prebiotic building blocks can form
>> containers, metabolic networks, and informational polymers and how these
>> three components can be cooperatively be organized to form a protocell that
>> satisfies the minimal requirements for a living system. This involves working
>> and publishing with Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund and the consortia of artificial
>> life in the US and Europe. Applicants should have a PhD degree in the area of
>> chemistry, preferably with expertise in prebiotic chemistry. The applicant
>> should have experience in experimental organic chemistry and be open to new
>> ideas and techniques used in the artifical life community. A good
>> publications record is required.
>>
>> Appointments for all areas are contingent upon evidence of completion of Ph.
>> D. Annual starting salary for a recent Ph. D. is $52,000 and can vary
>> somewhat according to the applicant?s qualifications. Postdoctoral scholars
>> are awarded initially for a one-year period. Appointments may be renewed in
>> one-year increments for a maximum of two additional years. Applications
>> should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research experience, and
>> two letters of recommendation. The deadline for the application is December
>> 31, 2005. The starting date for the positions can be as early March 2006.
>> Please send all information and questions to:
>>
>> Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund, c/o Rowena Dineros, Jet Propulsion Laboratory MS
>> 183-335, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, FAX: (818) 393-6546,
>> Tel: 818-354-2920, e-mail: rowena.c.dineros@jpl.nasa.gov
>>
>> The California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are
>> Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employers. Women, minorities, veterans,
>> and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

___________________________________________________________________

Prof. Norman MacLeod
Keeper of Palaeontology
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD


(0)207 942-5204 (Office)
(0)207 942-5546 (Fax)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/palaeontology/a&ss/nm/nm.html (Web Page)