Postdoctoral Scholar - Space Sciences Laboratory - UC Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position Salary Scale. A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,902–$79,014. Percent time: 100 Anticipated start: Summer/Fall 2026 Position duration: 2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding.
Application Deadline
Open date: May 8, 2026 Next review date:Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at the University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar who will work with Drs. Andrew Poppe and Lucas Liuzzo as part of a NASA Precursor Science Investigations for Europa (PSIE) award to model Europa’s neutral atmosphere and its interaction with the jovian magnetosphere. The postdoc will be responsible for simulating Europa’s plasma interaction over a wide range of conditions using an established hybrid plasma model. This project will use modeling results for Europa’s neutral atmosphere produced by a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) as input for ionospheric production. Hybrid model runs will also explore the range of jovian plasma parameters that govern Europa’s plasma interaction. Additional responsibilities include assembly and maintenance of the library of hybrid simulation results, delivery of the hybrid model results into a graphical user interface, presentation of results at appropriate scientific workshops and conferences, and preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts to appropriate peer-reviewed journals. Department: https://www.ssl.berkeley.edu/ Lab: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/missions/europa-clipper/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program Additional qualifications(required at time of start)• PhD or equivalent international degree • No more than 3-years post PhD research experience Preferred qualificationsFamiliarity with space plasma interactions with planetary surfaces, particularly within the Jovian system, including knowledge of outer planet moon exospheres and atmospheres, as well as experience with modeling moon–plasma interactions using numerical and computational methods.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research. (Optional) Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only) Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references. The hiring unit will request confidential letters from the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration. Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05361 Help contact:kimking@berkeley.edu