Post Doctoral Research Associate

Description

The National Solar Observatory invites applications for a full-time, one year fixed-term position for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. This role will participate in research efforts using ground based and spaceborne data to work on helioseismic and magnetic field signatures at the location of solar active regions as precursors of flux emergence and energetic events. In particular, the relation between (subphotospheric) kinetic and (near-surface) magnetic helicity of active regions will be investigated.

The goal is to quantify the changes in (i) helioseismic parameters and (ii) the magnetic field parameters prior to the emergence of active regions to establish the role of fluid dynamics descriptors with energetic events. The candidate will use Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) Dopplergrams to compute various fluid descriptors and kinetic helicity below the surface and current helicity from vector magnetograms (using SDO/HMI and SOLIS/VSM data when they become available). These will be used to examine the properties of active regions from emergence to decay and help us to assess their impact on early prediction of space weather eruptive events.

Review of applications will begin on June 20, 2024, and will continue till the position is filled.

Essential Functions:

• Identify a data set of active regions suitable for study of subphotospheric and photospheric properties in representing their helicity and flare activity.

• Carry out a statistical survey of active regions to identify their evolution from emergence to decay.

• Find their association with energetic events.

• Compute kinetic and current helicity for active regions.

• Analyze Dopplergrams to compute power, shear, and vorticity in subsurface plasma flows.

• Investigate the relation between the subsurface flow parameters with different helicity measurements at the photospheric level to identify the signatures of eruptions.

• Analize the results and draw conclusions. Present the results in scientific conference(s) and/or published paper(s) in peer reviewed journals.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or relevant disciplines.

• Prior experience in working with helioseismology and magnetic field data in candidate's personal research.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate with colleagues.

• Proficiency in scientific programming with any of the following languages (i) Python (ii) Interactive Data Language (IDL), (iii) C, (iv) Fortran.

• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and writing communications.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in dealing with large science databases.

• Experience in analysis of solar data is an added value.

Physical Demands:

The functions of this position are mostly carried out in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Deadline : June 19, 2024, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled.

Start date: August 1, 2024

Documents to submit:

1. Resume/CV (no page limit),

2. Cover Letter (a one-page description why you are applying for this position),

3. Research statement (two pages limit, description of your experience and how would you apply your experience to this project),

4. Letter of recommendation (one letter is sufficient; please include two references to contact if needed).

Term and Salary Information:

This is a one year, fixed-term assignment.

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000. The salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Other Information:

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) operates the world's most extensive collection of ground-based optical and infrared solar telescopes and auxiliary instrumentation, allowing solar physicists to probe all aspects of the Sun, from the deep solar interior to the photosphere, chromosphere, the outer corona, and out into the interplanetary medium. The NSO is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). AURA is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation (~~~/) and NASA (~~~/) . AURA's role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity (~~~/) throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at ~~~/

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at ~~~

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)