Postdoc Associate

Posting Details

Posting Details


Posting Number
S06925P


Position Title
Postdoc Associate


Functional Title
Research Associate


Department
Space Sciences


Salary Range
Commensurate with experience


Pay Basis
Monthly


Position Status
Regular full-time


Location
Richardson


Position End Date (if temporary)

Posting Open Date
04/03/2026


Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


Desired Start Date
06/01/2026


Job Summary


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 for 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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities

Working Conditions

Additional Information

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• Internal Training
• Medical insurance - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long and short-term disability
• Retirement Plan Options
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities , including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

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About Us
UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.


Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message


1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.


2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator .