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It's paleontology Jim, but not as we know it. >> 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) ___________________________________________________________________
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