University of Arizona
R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
R&D Engineer/Scientist II, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Position Highlights Join the team behind NASA’s OSIRIS‑REx mission, which successfully returned samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth for laboratory analysis. The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) seeks a skilled R&D Engineer/Scientist II to support post‑mission science through quantitative spectral analysis, comparing remote‑sensing data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments with laboratory spectra of returned samples to interpret surface composition and identify spectral variability.
Key Responsibilities
Perform quantitative spectral analysis using data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments.
Model spectral mixing and detect compositional variability across Bennu’s surface.
Collect and analyze analog mineral spectra.
Co‑register and visualize datasets using JAsteroid and ArcGIS.
Contribute to mission data products and peer‑reviewed publications.
Quantitative Spectral Analysis & Modeling
Conduct analysis of OVIRS and MapCam spectra to detect and quantify spectral features and variability (emphasis on mottled boulder units). Perform spectral‑mixing and end‑member modeling to quantify component contributions and interpret surface composition.
Create and test ray‑tracing, optical, and photometric modeling codes using MATLAB, Python, and shell scripts.
Laboratory Measurements & Calibration
Acquire, measure, and curate laboratory and analog spectra (e.g., evaporites and other candidate end members). Perform instrument calibration and cross‑calibration between lab and flight datasets.
Validate spectral interpretations against sample measurements.
Apply engineering principles to develop and validate experiments that demonstrate how these tools inform and refine experimental design.
Data Integration, Co‑registration & Visualization
Co‑register and fuse OVIRS, MapCam, and sample‑derived datasets.
Develop visualizations and analysis tools using JAsteroid, ArcGIS, and mission software to support spatially resolved compositional interpretations, team decision‑making, and hypothesis validation.
Mission Products, Documentation & Dissemination
Produce calibrated data products, documentation, and analyses for the mission archive.
Prepare presentations and lead/co‑author peer‑reviewed publications communicating scientific results and methodology.
Science Operations Center Development
Assist with simulation and visualization of spacecraft instrument observations and testing of planning and graphical software.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of OSIRIS‑REx instrument data and its applications.
Skill in using ArcGIS for geospatial analysis and data visualization.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent advanced learning) or professional level experience.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field of study.
Benefits Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services,
click here .
Contact Information Daniella DellaGuistina dellagiu@arizona.edu
Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.
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Position Highlights Join the team behind NASA’s OSIRIS‑REx mission, which successfully returned samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth for laboratory analysis. The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) seeks a skilled R&D Engineer/Scientist II to support post‑mission science through quantitative spectral analysis, comparing remote‑sensing data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments with laboratory spectra of returned samples to interpret surface composition and identify spectral variability.
Key Responsibilities
Perform quantitative spectral analysis using data from OVIRS and MapCam instruments.
Model spectral mixing and detect compositional variability across Bennu’s surface.
Collect and analyze analog mineral spectra.
Co‑register and visualize datasets using JAsteroid and ArcGIS.
Contribute to mission data products and peer‑reviewed publications.
Quantitative Spectral Analysis & Modeling
Conduct analysis of OVIRS and MapCam spectra to detect and quantify spectral features and variability (emphasis on mottled boulder units). Perform spectral‑mixing and end‑member modeling to quantify component contributions and interpret surface composition.
Create and test ray‑tracing, optical, and photometric modeling codes using MATLAB, Python, and shell scripts.
Laboratory Measurements & Calibration
Acquire, measure, and curate laboratory and analog spectra (e.g., evaporites and other candidate end members). Perform instrument calibration and cross‑calibration between lab and flight datasets.
Validate spectral interpretations against sample measurements.
Apply engineering principles to develop and validate experiments that demonstrate how these tools inform and refine experimental design.
Data Integration, Co‑registration & Visualization
Co‑register and fuse OVIRS, MapCam, and sample‑derived datasets.
Develop visualizations and analysis tools using JAsteroid, ArcGIS, and mission software to support spatially resolved compositional interpretations, team decision‑making, and hypothesis validation.
Mission Products, Documentation & Dissemination
Produce calibrated data products, documentation, and analyses for the mission archive.
Prepare presentations and lead/co‑author peer‑reviewed publications communicating scientific results and methodology.
Science Operations Center Development
Assist with simulation and visualization of spacecraft instrument observations and testing of planning and graphical software.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of OSIRIS‑REx instrument data and its applications.
Skill in using ArcGIS for geospatial analysis and data visualization.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent advanced learning) or professional level experience.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field of study.
Benefits Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services,
click here .
Contact Information Daniella DellaGuistina dellagiu@arizona.edu
Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr