Researcher (Postdoc) Hyperspectral Observables of Planetary Habitability
Researcher (Postdoc) Hyperspectral Observables of Planetary Habitability
University of Twente
Enschede, Netherlands
The search for habitable environments on planets and moons in our solar system involves the remote detection of the typical surface expression of these environments. These expressions include surface compositions that indicate the presence of early and primitive bacterial life and their geological context, which are detectable using hyperspectral remote sensing methods. The detection of these biosignatures requires an understanding of how they are resolved by remote sensing instruments that operate at various scales.
This project strives to develop hyperspectral remote sensing observables, interpreted from lab experiments and terrestrial outcrops of primitive-life environments and their geological context, for the scale-dependent detection of similar habitats on other earth-like bodies in the solar system and beyond. The project is part of the Netherlands Planetary Science Network on Observables of Planetary Habitability. This network project is funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Netherlands Space Office and aims to foster multidisciplinary collaboration between planetary science research groups and researchers in the Netherlands. Other research projects within this network focus on interior and surface morphological indicators of planetary habitability.
Your activities include reviewing the literature on biosignatures and their geological context in terrestrial analogues, conducting a detailed multidisciplinary study of a terrestrial analogue, and developing a strategy for scale-dependent hyperspectral detection of biosignatures on other planets and moons. The work will include fieldwork to identify and map these biosignatures at the field scale and laboratory analysis with multiple instruments. Results will be disseminated through high-quality scientific publications and conference presentations. You will work with partners in the Netherlands Planetary Science Network and will be crucial in initiating collaborative research within the network.
Your profile
- A PhD in planetary sciences or a related field;
- A solid background in Earth sciences and in mineralogical, geochemical and spectroscopic investigation methods;
- Experience with the analysis of multi and/or hyperspectral data sets;
- Interest in the study of terrestrial analogues for the interpretation of planetary surfaces, and the organization of Earth science fieldwork;
- Familiarity with modelling of mineralogical stability in terrestrial and planetary settings;
- Excellent level of spoken and written English, including the ability to present and explain scientific/technical work clearly and effectively;
- A record of high-quality scientific publications;
- Socially engaged and a creative researcher with good conceptual, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills;
- An interest in collaborating with other researchers.
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