Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Plasma Astrophysics

The Haggerty Plasma Physics Group at the University of Iowa welcomes applications for a postdoctoral research scholar position. The successful candidate will join a research program studying collisionless plasma processes, including magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration, and turbulence in space and astrophysical plasmas, using large-scale kinetic and hybrid-kinetic simulations.

This position is for one year, with the potential for two additional years, and would have an approximate start date to be determined with the successful candidate.

The responsibilities of this postdoctoral researcher may include:

•          Developing and running particle-in-cell and hybrid-kinetic simulations of collisionless plasma processes such as reconnection, shocks, and turbulence

•          Analyzing simulation output to characterize statistics of current sheets, vorticity structures, and particle energization

•          Modeling radiative signatures of relativistic outflows and connecting simulation results to observational data

•          Collaborating with researchers at partner institutions on joint theoretical and computational projects

•          Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students

•          Disseminating research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

Education Requirement:

PhD in physics, astrophysics, or a related field with the degree conferred by the start date.

Required Qualifications:

•          Experience with particle-in-cell or hybrid-kinetic plasma simulation codes

•          Background in collisionless plasma physics, magnetic reconnection, shocks, or turbulence

•          Ability to clearly communicate research as demonstrated by publications, conference proceedings, and/or oral presentations

Desirable Qualifications:

•          Experience modeling radiative signatures from relativistic plasmas or outflows

•          Experience developing scientific software or simulation analysis tools

•          Experience mentoring student researchers