Job Summary

Perform planetary science research and project science management in support of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid belt and develop an externally funded independent research program.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Support the Project Scientist (Prof. Paul Hayne) as an interface to the instrument teams and Mission Systems Engineering (MSE) team.
• Interface with engineering team (through Prof. Jay McMahon) to develop and test software for asteroid shape modeling based on planned navigation products.
• Support the development of Scarabaeus software package for EMA navigation.
• Undertake an active research program in planetary science, seeking external funding from NASA and/or other federal agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Onsite presence is expected 5 days per week, including regular meetings at LASP's SPSC, LSTB, ARL, and Park Place buildings.
• Optional travel to the UAE and Japan will take place in 2027 and 2028.

What We Can Offer

$86,800 - $94,300 per year.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in planetary science or related field, with a track record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature.

What You Will Need

• Experience working with scientists and engineers as part of a robotic space mission.
• Computer modeling and data analysis expertise, including reduction of data from remote sensing instruments on planetary spacecraft.

What We Would Like You to Have

• At least one year of postdoctoral experience.
• Expertise in image processing.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.
3. Reference Letter (Not Confidential)

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 8/27/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.