Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Brown University

We are searching for a postdoctoral research associate to join a NASA Solar System Science funded project. The research includes analyses of a full range of simple and complex organic compounds in extraterrestrial samples (carbonaceous meteorites, asteroid samples) using GC/HPLC/UPLC chromatography and quadrupole/high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry techniques, as well as construction of an interactive GCMS and chromatography database for organic compounds in extraterrestrial samples. Carbonaceous asteroids and meteorites contain a full suite of Cosmo-chemically or abiotically synthesized organic compounds including over 70 amino acids, peptides, numerous nuclear bases (including ones used in DNA and RNA), simple and complex sugars, carboxylic acids, hydroxyl acids, hydrocarbons, S- and N- containing organic compounds. These compounds have been hypothesized to have seeded life on Earth. Comprehensive analyses of these compounds require state-of-the-art organic analytical methods, particularly advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.  A wide range of chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation is available for analyzing extraterrestrial organic compounds at Brown. These include GCFID, GCMS, HPLCMS, GC-isotope ratio-MS, and a newly acquired state-of-the-art UPLC-orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Exploris 240). The postdoc will have access to all these instruments and is encouraged to develop new research ideas and collaborative grant proposals. 

 Questions may be directed by email to Yongsong_huang@brown.edu. Yongsong will attend the GRC meeting and will be happy to meet anyone interested in the position. The position can start as early as September 1, 2026. Degree completion is required by the start date of the appointment and may be from a relevant field of study including chromatography and mass spectrometry, organic geochemistry (preferably related to planetary science or astrobiology), Astrobiology, cosmo-organic chemistry.

 Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a summary of research accomplishments and career objectives. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research mission of our diverse and inclusive living-learning community. Applications should be submitted via https://apply.interfolio.com/187932 Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026 till the position is filled.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law. For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Requirements

The candidate should have a strong background in analytical organic chemistry using various GC, HPLC/UPLC, and mass spectrometry techniques, with a Ph.D. in Analytical organic chemistry, Mass spectrometry, Organic Geochemistry, astrobiology or related fields. Past experience in meteorite and asteroid research is a plus but not absolutely required. The ideal candidate should also have strong experiences in computational mass spectrometry and chromatography, and in MATLAB and/or Python coding as well as strong motivation in applying artificial intelligence in analyzing complex organic assemblages and discovery of new proxies for various Cosmo-organic chemical processes. Strong motivation and interest in academic research in cosmo-organic chemistry and/or origin of life topics are important. The postdoctoral research associate will work with Prof. Yongsong Huang, in collaboration with Dr. Philipp Heck at Field Museum of Natural History (University of Chicago). Development of novel internal and external collaborations is strongly encouraged.