Graduate Research in Planetary Chemistry: Stanford University is accepting applications from students pursuing a graduate degree to work in the Planetary Chemistry and Spectroscopy Lab under the direction of Prof. Scheller.
It is open to students with a background in either computational chemistry or applied mathematics or planetary sciences, who are interested in applying their skills and knowledge to planetary problems.
Why Pursue Graduate Research in Planetary Chemistry at Stanford University?
World-Class Research Environment: School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Stanford provides access to advanced laboratories, computational resources, as well as collaborative research networks, thereby relating geology, chemistry, physics and engineering fields.
Interdisciplinary Focus: The Planetary Chemistry and Spectroscopy Lab is an interdisciplinary collaborative effort involving planetary science, spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and artificial intelligence, and offers a distinctive platform-based approach to answering fundamental questions of planetary processes.
Mentorship and Collaboration: Students are closely mentored by Prof. Scheller, who has more than 25 years of experience in space instruments projects, spectroscopy and space research in the volatile cycle of planets.
Stated Development of cutting-edge instrumentation: The lab also helps in the design and development of spacecraft instruments that come into use in current and future planetary missions.
Career Development: Stanford graduates are known to have excelled in research both in the international market and are very marketable in academia, space organizations, and research centers.
Program Description – Graduate Research in Planetary Chemistry
Prof. Scheller is currently working on the Stanford Planetary Chemistry and Spectroscopy computational and experimental laboratory, which will focus on UV to longwave infrared spectroscopy at ambient and ultrahigh vacuum, cryogenic conditions, and AI methods for analyzing spectral data.
Selected candidates will focus on:
- Constructing and testing spectroscopy instruments over the UV to longwave infrared spectrum (LWIR) with various conditions, including ambient pressure down to ultrahigh vacuum pressure.
- Computational methods of Density functional theory (DFT) and other surface reaction calculations of planets and mineral structures, and volatile reactions.
- Using machine learning and transformer architectures to set up and analyse big spectral data, and enhance signal extraction and refine processes of identifying organic and inorganic compounds.
- Combining lab and spacecraft observations to explain the chemical and mineralogical evidence of Mars, icy moons and other heavenly bodies.
Qualifications – Graduate Research in Planetary Chemistry
The preferred candidates will possess:
- B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in computational chemistry, applied mathematics, physics, geoscience or engineering.
- Either experience or degree work in spectroscopy, planetary science or prerequisites in physical chemistry.
- Knowledge of the density functional theory (DFT) process or other computational modelling processes.
- Experience in computer vision (CV) or machine learning, especially transformer-based, would be welcome.
- Good analytical, programming and problem-solving skills.
- An open-minded attitude and the willingness to venture into the unknown frontiers of planetary systems.
Application Process – Graduate Research in Planetary Chemistry
Graduate applicants who show interest should contact Prof. Scheller
You’ll be requested to present your resume or CV detailing your research history and a statement of interest.
About Prof. Scheller
Prof. Scheller was awarded a PhD and M.Sc. degree in the Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), as well as a B.Sc. in Geosciences at the Copenhagen University. Her research experience lies between spectroscopy, the design of instruments and computational modelling of planetary missions.
Deadline and Contact Information
Application Deadline: Open until the right graduate student(s) is/are recruited and the position is filled.