Heliophysics Science: Space Physics Theory and Computer Simulation

About the role

Theoretical research and computer simulation are carried out with emphasis on observations of space plasmas. Specific interest areas include (1) nonlinear phenomena in unstable collisionless plasmas, (2) compressible and incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in Cartesian and spherical geometries, and (3) wave-particle interactions and parametric instabilities. Simulation approaches include MHD, Vlasov, and hybrid codes run on computers ranging from PCs to massively parallel computers, while analytical work involves linear and nonlinear instability theories.

Responsibilities

Carry out theoretical research and computer simulations focusing on space physics, specifically:

• Nonlinear phenomena in unstable collisionless plasmas
• Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in Cartesian and spherical geometries
• Wave-particle interactions and parametric instabilities
• Simulation using MHD, Vlasov, and hybrid codes
• Analytical work involving linear and nonlinear instability theories

Requirements

Applicants must have completed a Doctoral degree.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in:

• Space physics
• Nonlinear phenomena in unstable collisionless plasmas
• Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence
• Wave-particle interactions and parametric instabilities
• Simulation techniques including MHD, Vlasov, and hybrid codes
• Analytical methods involving linear and nonlinear instability theories

Skills

Strong skills in:

• Programming languages such as Fortran, C++, Python, etc.
• Scientific computing and numerical methods
• Collaboration and communication skills

Benefits

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers:

• One to three year fellowship
• Opportunities to engage in ongoing NASA research projects
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Pay

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000 annually.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is full-time.

Contact Information

For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Heliophysics Science

Advisors

• John Dorelli
  John.Dorelli@nasa.gov
  301-286-9753
• D. Aaron Roberts
  Aaron.Roberts@nasa.gov
  301-286-5606
• Hyunju Kim Connor
  Hyunju.k.connor@nasa.gov
  301.286.7417
• Christopher Bard
  christopher.bard@nasa.gov