Duke SPACE Initiative Senior Research Fellow

About the Duke SPACE Initiative

The Duke SPACE Initiative (Science and Policy to Advance Cosmic Exploration) is an interdisciplinary program bringing together faculty, researchers, and students from across Duke University to address the scientific, policy, economic, legal, medical, and humanistic dimensions of space exploration. Sponsored by Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and drawing on expertise from across the university, the Initiative aims to position Duke as a thought leader in space education and research.

Seeking Practitioners, Scholars, and Professionals

The Duke SPACE Initiative is seeking accomplished practitioners, scholars, and professionals whose work bridges space science, technology, policy, and the humanities. Appointees will join a vibrant interdisciplinary community and contribute to the Initiative's mission of advancing space exploration through research, education, and public engagement.

The appointment length as a Sr. Research Scholar may be from 6 months up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal. We anticipate making one to two appointments beginning July 2026.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds and career stages, from early-career postdoctoral researchers to senior practitioners. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement with space-related topics.

Example profiles include:

•         Astronauts or analog astronauts with experience in human spaceflight or mission simulation

•         Government and/or space industry veterans

•         Scientists and/or engineers

•         Space policy, law, economics, or governance specialists

•         Aerospace medicine practitioners or human spaceflight researchers

•         Historians, journalists, authors, or documentarians examining the space sector

•         Arts practitioners imagining futures and/or exploring space creatively

Responsibilities

Appointees are expected to pursue their own research, creative projects, or professional practice during their appointment. In addition, appointees will work with Initiative leadership to design an engagement plan that contributes to our mission. Activities may include:

•         Student Mentorship: Advising undergraduate and graduate students on research projects, career pathways, and professional development in space-related fields

•         Network Building: Connecting Duke students and faculty with industry, government, and international contacts in the space sector

•         Public Programming: Participating in speaker series, panels, workshops, exhibitions, and other events that engage the Duke and broader community

•         Project Development: Leading or contributing to initiatives that advance the Initiative's mission (e.g., research collaborations, archives, documentary projects, policy analysis, creative work)

•         Teaching (optional): Opportunities to one course per semester or guest lecture may be available depending on fellow interest and program needs

Compensation and Residency

Compensation is commensurate with experience and time commitment. Residency requirements are flexible. Appointees may be based in Durham full-time or may propose a hybrid arrangement with defined periods on campus.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

1.       Curriculum Vitae or Resume

2.       Interest and Engagement Statement (3 pages maximum) addressing: (1) your background and interest in the SPACE Initiative, and (2) the activities you would pursue, such as mentorship, programming, or projects

3.       Three References with contact information (letters will be requested for finalists)

Questions

For questions about the program, please contact Anna Linvill, Senior Program Coordinator, Duke SPACE Initiative, at [email protected].

The Duke SPACE Initiative is committed to building a broad and diverse interdisciplinary community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and points of view.

 

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement
• Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site. Letters should be submitted by 2026/03/31 11:59PM EDT )

And anything else requested in the position description.

 

 

 

Duke University
Physics Department
Box 90305
Durham, NC 27708