[MdM call] 3 Postdoctoral positions on Biomarkers, Microbiology and Planetary Geology

Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC-INTA) is offering 3 postdoctoral positions within the María de Maeztu Excellence Program «Assesing the feasibility of life as a universal phenomenon through planetary exploration«.

The successful candidates will be contracted for 6 months each to work on “Mars2020 and ExoMars: Mapping of exploration areas, and scientific exploitation of MEDA and RLS data”, “Study of microorganisms capable of modifying their environment in high salinity and cold situations” and “Study of biomarkers in extrasolar systems – Exoplanets”.

  • Code MDM_1/21: “Mars2020 and ExoMars: Mapping of exploration areas, and scientific exploitation of MEDA and RLS data
  1. Further photogeological mapping of the landing and exploration sites of the Perseverance (Mars2020) and Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars) rovers.
  2. Contribution to the development and scientific exploitation of data obtained with instruments provided by the CAB to Martian rovers: RLS (ExoMars) and MEDA (Mars2020).
  3. Preparation of scientific and technical documentation, writing of scientific papers, attendance to congresses, outreach activities.
  4. Elementary and routine tasks of cleaning his/her workstation, maintenance and cleaning of the equipment he/she uses, preparation of means and solutions to carry out the above tasks, including the necessary actions to acquire the consumables he/she needs.
  5. To carry out these tasks, a PhD in Geology or Hydrology is required, with a background in planetary geological mapping using satellite imagery analysis, remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information Systems.
  • Code MDM_2/21: “Study of microorganisms capable of modifying their environment in high salinity and cold situations
  1. Laboratory experiments in microbiology and molecular microbiology.
  2. Handling of prokaryote cultures in aqueous solutions and brines.
  3. Experiments to identify biological molecules in response to different treatments at low temperatures and salt concentrations.
  4. Preparation of scientific and technical documentation, writing of scientific papers, attendance to congresses, outreach activities.
  5. Elementary and routine tasks of cleaning his/her workstation, maintenance and cleaning of the equipment he/she uses, preparation of means and solutions to carry out the above tasks, including the necessary actions to acquire the consumables he/she needs.
  6. A PhD in Microbiology with a background in molecular microbiology and the response of micro-organisms to brines and perchlorate salts is required.
  • Code MDM_3/21: “Study of biomarkers in extrasolar systems – Exoplanets”
  1. Time request for observation in telescopes.
  2. Analysis of results – spectroscopy of atmospheres.
  3. Development of composition-based operating models.
  4. Analysis and modelling of hypothetical photosynthetic systems in non-Earth radiative environments.
  5. Atmosphere modelling studies.
  6. Preparation of scientific and technical documentation, writing of scientific papers, attendance to congresses, outreach activities.
  7. Elementary and routine tasks of cleaning his/her workstation, maintenance and cleaning of the equipment he/she uses to carry out the above tasks, including the necessary actions to acquire the consumables he/she needs.
  8. In order to carry out the tasks aimed at the study of biomarkers in extraterrestrial environments (exoplanets) set out in this grant, the recruitment of a PhD in Physics with a background in exoplanet atmospheres is required.

The deadline for sending applications is 27th April 2021.

More information: https://www.inta.es/INTA/es/bolsa-de-empleo/oportunidad_1618304849832