Postdoc Associate

Postdoc Associate

The Physics Department in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is seeking to fill three postdoctoral researcher positions affiliated with UTD's W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences. It is highly preferable that the candidate holds a Ph.D. in space physics or a closely related field. The successful candidate will support ongoing research in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, with a focus on particle precipitation in Earth's magnetosphere. The incumbent shall analyze particle precipitation from low-altitude spacecraft, in conjunction with particle and wave measurements from near-equatorial spacecraft, and theoretically model electron precipitation driven by plasma waves in the Earth's magnetosphere. Work is to be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Xiao-Jia Zhang (please refer to additional information on the scope of research in Dr. Zhang's group). Applications will be evaluated starting May 11, 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled. The appointment is expected to commence in summer 2026. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Minimum Education and Experience - Ph.D in a related field. Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience - Ph.D. in space physics or a closely related field.

Other Qualifications - To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Specific duties include: Develop comprehensive datasets of particle precipitation driven by a range of magnetospheric processes using low-altitude measurements (e.g., ELFIN, CIRBE). Compile conjunction datasets linking low-altitude particle observations with near-equatorial plasma and wave measurements (e.g., THEMIS, MMS, ERG). Model electron precipitation fluxes at resonant energies based on realistic wave properties, and compare theoretical predictions with low-altitude observations. Quantify ionospheric impacts of different precipitation patterns and validate results against ionospheric measurements (e.g., SuperDARN, riometers). Contribute to the preparation of conference and workshop presentations, as well as peer-reviewed journal publications.