Mars Research Scientist

Jacobs Technology is the advanced technology arm of Jacobs Engineering (NYSE: JEC), one of the largest engineering and technical service companies in the United States. Jacobs has partnered with NASA to support space flight programs for more than 40 years and held the predecessor Engineering and Science Contract (ESC) since 2005. We look forward to continuing that work as the prime contractor for the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) contract along with our eleven teammate companies to provide engineering, scientific and technical contract services at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX). JETS provides products and technical services related to human operations in space through development and integration of a broad spectrum of engineering requirements. This includes human spacecraft flight and flight development products, human exploration mission planning for NASA, institution support services, and new technology development. At Jacobs, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and that is why we offer a partnership in which you can grow personally and professionally with the advantages of strong leadership, competitive compensation and rewarding career paths.

Our long-term client relationship with NASA has led to a need for a Mars Research Scientist.

The Mars Research Scientist will:
Support the Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate (ARES) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the field of planetary science.

ARES staff members’ backgrounds include geology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

ARES is also responsible for the curation and analysis of a wide range of solar system materials including the Apollo lunar samples, meteorites, cosmic dust/interplanetary dust particles, cometary samples, solar wind samples, and terrestrial analogs.

Conduct fundamental planetary research and continue to be involved in the operation and collection/interpretation associated with planetary missions (e.g., Mars Science Laboratory).

Perform laboratory analysis of astromaterials and analog materials for peer-review research utilizing a suite of thermal analysis and mass spectrometry as well as X-ray diffraction instruments.

Train and assist researchers and students in the use of the thermal and evolved gas analysis (mass spectrometry).

Coordinate vendor service.

Summarize and communicate quantitative results

Meticulously document procedures and results, and actively participate in safety programs.

Work with visiting as well as in-house researchers on all aspects of experimentation and analysis.

Actively pursue collaborations and development of projects within and outside the department.

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience/Skills:
BS degree from an accredited college or university in an associated technical discipline and two (2) years related experience, or M.S. degree in an associated technical discipline.

Experience working in laboratory environment preparing samples, conducting experiments, summarizing results, preparing reports for internal and external use, writing abstracts for submission to national and international meetings, and contributing to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Must have knowledge of the theory and practice of elemental analyses of geologic samples and data reduction.

Knowledge and experience of using analytical computer software for data analysis.

Ability to work with students, technicians, and researchers in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferences:
An understanding of the theory and practice of thermal gravimetric analysis and calorimetry and coupled evolved gas analysis (mass spectrometry) and data reduction is also desired.

Previous experience with Mars missions, or planetary mission operations

Potential areas of research interest include (but are not limited to) water-rock interactions, hydrothermal geochemistry, isotope and trace-element geochemistry, mineralogy, and theoretical and experimental geochemistry of rock/mineral weathering (low temperature experimentation).

Existing associations, partnerships, and/or collaborations with on-going planetary missions, organization, or personnel that would be beneficial to the scope and objectives of the ARES Directorate.

Strong experimental foundation; able to integrate experimental work with multidisciplinary instrumented analytical techniques (electron microscopy, XRD, DSC, TGA, VNIR, Mossbauer) and computational approaches.

An understanding of the theory and practice of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA), and various forms of spectroscopy.

Additional instrument experience across disciplines (such as ICP-MS) is a plus.

Why Work for JETS?

Opportunities for growth and advancement

Comprehensive Medical Coverage (medical, dental, vision)

401(k)

Benefits Tuition Reimbursement

Much, much more!

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity; for immediate consideration, apply now! (

www.wehavespaceforyou.com

).

Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which this position has been advertised.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Jacobs does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of: race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by country, regional, or local law. To view the DOL’s Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster, please

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