Post Doctoral Fellow

Khalifa University is seeking a Post Doctoral Fellow for a funded research project examining the geological, glacial, and periglacial history of polar regions as analogues for environments on Mars. The work centres on data collected in the Schirmacher Oasis and information expected from monitoring stations in Antarctica through a research partnership. The fellow will analyse samples and field observations, compare terrestrial evidence with remote-sensing and in-situ Mars data, and contribute to scientific publications. The role offers collaboration with researchers and graduate students from different scientific backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on glacial and periglacial landscapes relevant to planetary science.
• Analyse field samples and compare findings with remote-sensing and in-situ measurements from Mars.
• Interpret data from Antarctic monitoring stations established through the research collaboration.
• Assess how polar environmental processes can help explain similar landscapes under earlier Martian climate conditions.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and contribute to high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Present findings at international conferences when project funding permits.
• Work with academic colleagues, research staff, and graduate students across scientific disciplines.
• Maintain sound research records and follow data-management, confidentiality, and research-integrity requirements.

Requirements and Qualifications

• PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline from a reputable university.
• Strong expertise in glacial or periglacial landscapes.
• Experience preparing scientific or review papers.
• Previous analogue fieldwork and familiarity with Mars-focused planetary science are required.
• A PhD from a QS or THE top-200 university and high-impact first-author publications are specified criteria.

Skills and Competencies

The role calls for strong geological interpretation, field and analytical research skills, scientific writing, and clear verbal communication in English. Applicants should be comfortable working independently while contributing constructively to a collaborative research team.

Employment Details

This is a full-time research position based in Abu Dhabi, with collaboration involving polar research partners. International conference participation is subject to available project funding.