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Fellowships

W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Released: 1 October 2012
Applications Due Date: NOON - 28 November 2012

Fellowship Overview

The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) announces the solicitation of KISS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program applications for fellowships to begin in 2013.

The primary purpose of the Keck Institute for Space Studies is to develop new planetary, Earth, astrobiology and astrophysics space mission concepts and technology by bringing together a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers for sustained scientific and technical interaction. These fellowships will support outstanding postdoctoral scientists to conduct research that is broadly related to the goals of the Keck Institute for Space Studies and its funded study programs.

KISS programs include:

• New Methods to Measure Photosynthesis from Space
• Engineering Resilient Space Systems
• Small Satellites: A Revolution in Space Science
• CMB Polarization Cosmology in the Coming Decade
• Quantum Communication, Sensing and Measurements in Space
• In Situ Science and Instrumentation for Primitive Bodies
• Asteroid Return Mission Study
• Digging Deeper: Algorithms for Computationally-Limited Searches in Astronomy
• Next Generation UV Instrument Technologies Enabling Missions in Astrophysics, Cosmology and Planetary Sciences
• Monitoring of Geo-Engineering Effects and their Natural and Anthropogenic Analogues
• xTerramechanics - Integrated Simulation of Planetary Surface Missions
• Innovative Satellite Observations to Characterize the Cloudy Boundary Layer
  
• The First Billion Years
• Future Missions to Titan: Scientific and Engineering Challenges
• Monitoring Earth Surface Changes from Space
• Single Photon Counting Detectors
• Innovative Approaches to Exoplanet Spectra
• Quantifying the Sources and Sinks of Atmospheric CO2
• Innovative Approaches to Planetary Seismology
• New Directions in Robotic Exploration of Mars
• Large Space Structures
• Coherent Instrumentation for Cosmic Microwave Background Polarization Observations
• Climate Feedbacks and Future Remote Sensing Observations
• Shedding Light on the Nature of Dark Matter
• Mission Concepts for Accessing and Sampling High-Risk Terrains on Planetary Surfaces
• Innovative Concepts in IR/Submm Astronomy from Space

This program is open to applicants of any nationality who have earned (or will have earned) their doctoral degrees on or after January 1, 2010, in any discipline. The duration of the fellowship is up to two years: an initial one-year appointment and one annual renewal that is contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of KISS funds.

The successful proposal will recognize the special nature of the Institute and its goals. This means the applicant should be willing to participate in the Institute activities. Applicants must identify abilities or activities that are appropriate to the goals of the Institute and it will be to their advantage to indicate particular connections to activities of the Institute. Consideration will also be given to applicants who bring in new ideas of their own.

We anticipate awarding one to two fellowships in early 2013. Caltech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

Potential Applicants:

• Please see the KISS Fellowship Program Guidelines for application instructions and detailed program policies. Applicants must follow the instructions given in these guidelines. Applications will be accepted starting November 1, 2012.
• Please review the KISS Application Submission Overview Page when you are ready to submit your application.

A complete application will include:

• Completed application submission form
• Curriculum vitae and list of major publications and all first-author papers
• Summary of previous and current research (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Research proposal (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Three (3) letters of reference. Note: one (1) of these letters of reference must be from a postdoctoral sponsor at Caltech Campus/JPL who is associated with the Institute.

DEADLINE:   Noon PST- 28 November 2012

Offers will be made in early 2013, and new appointments are expected to begin on or about September 1, 2013, but the start date can be flexible. Inquiries about the KISS Fellowships may be directed to postdoc@kiss.caltech.edu.