Planetary Science Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Postdoctoral Associate
Department
Earth & Planetary Sciences
Salary Details
minimum $63968
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position to collaborate with Professor Yoshinori Miyazaki. We seek highly motivated and creative candidates interested in understanding the origin and evolution of habitable environments on terrestrial planets through theoretical, computational, and interdisciplinary approaches. Our research approaches this question from the broader perspective of planetary formation, integrating geodynamical and geochemical models to investigate the evolution of terrestrial planets from accretion and differentiation to the emergence of habitable environments, with applications to both the Solar System and rocky exoplanets.
The successful candidate will develop theoretical and numerical models that connect the physical and chemical evolution of planetary interiors with atmospheric and surface evolution, providing a framework for understanding the emergence and long-term maintenance of habitable conditions on terrestrial planets. The postdoctoral associate will be encouraged to pursue independent research while contributing to ongoing projects (e.g., magma ocean solidification and the long-term coupled evolution of planetary interiors and atmospheres). Candidates interested in extending these models to interpret observations of terrestrial exoplanets, or in developing new approaches that bridge planetary science, geodynamics, geochemistry, and astronomy, are also encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant should have:
• A Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• Experience in numerical modeling related to one or more of the following areas: computational astrophysics, planetary formation, mantle convection, geochemical cycles, or the evolution of planetary atmospheres and surface environments
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, or Fortran) and familiarity with high-performance computing, and
• Excellent organizational and written and oral communication skills.
Rutgers University offers a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment with internationally recognized strengths in planetary science, Earth science, computational modeling, and astronomy. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is located on the New Brunswick campus and provides outstanding opportunities for collaboration across the School of Arts and Sciences and with external research institutions.
Excellence in research, with experience relevant to the areas listed above, will be the primary criterion for consideration. The position offers flexibility for pursuing original research directions aligned with the group's broad goal of understanding the processes that govern planetary evolution and habitability. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The anticipated start date will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate. Questions may be directed to yoshi.miyazaki@rutgers.edu.
Position Status
Full Time
Posting Number
26FA0658
Posting Open Date
08/01/2026
Posting Close Date
10/01/2026
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview
Statement
Rutgers University provides equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a short statement on research interests, contact information for three references, and a link to a Github repository or other coding sample through our online application portal. Review of applications will begin on August or September 1 and will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/278351
Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Location Details
This position will be located at:
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Wright-Rieman Laboratories
610 Taylor Road, Room 142
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8066
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement