Current Research Opportunities for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Current Research Opportunities

Openings for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Graduate Research Opportunities

A selection of current research opportunities for prospective graduate students is listed here. If the topic or potential advisor you are seeking is not listed here, please contact a faculty member directly for information regarding available projects and positions.

Planetary Atmospheres and Astrobiology

Assistant Professor Sukrit Ranjan (sukrit@arizona.edu)

A PhD opportunity focused on planetary atmospheres and astrobiology is available in the Ranjan group. The Ranjan group conducts theoretical investigations broadly focused on elucidating the conditions under which life arose on Earth and determining how to search for life elsewhere. The specific research possibilities anticipated for this opportunity include modelling hydrodynamic escape for terrestrial exoplanets relevant to ongoing JWST observations, false positives for CH4 and O2 as a biosignature gas on exoplanets relevant to the planned Habitable Worlds Observatory, and nitrogen and sulfur cycling on Earth and Mars relevant to current laboratory prebiotic chemistry and future Mars missions. Students from a broad range of academic backgrounds from geoscience to physics are encouraged to apply; however, a strong background in mathematics and significant programming experience are essential.  

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Arizona Space Grant

Can you imagine yourself working with a faculty mentor to develop a lunar rover controlled over the internet? To study the effects of zero-gravity on muscles and other organ systems? To devise a system for "mining" fuel from the Martian atmosphere? Or to study the effects of climatic and other changes on planet Earth? Imagine no more. The UA/NASA Space Grant Program will employ undergraduate students for 10-20 hours per week during the academic year to work alongside upper-level graduate students and practicing scientists.

ASTEROIDS Laboratory

Providing undergraduates majoring in science and engineering, especially those traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the opportunity to broaden their education with a rich, hands-on experience and the full process of inquiry and discovery. Research and education will focus on utilizing planetary science principles for conceiving, implementing and validating space technologies, from systems design and control solutions, to robots and sensor networks, to mobility and excavation on small bodies.

UArizona Graduate College Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium

The University of Arizona Graduate College administers the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC), a group of ten research programs.