Post Doctoral - Researcher - Computational Astrophysics

About the role

The College of Science invites applications for a 2-year full-time position in computational astrophysics, focusing on connecting transport models of low-energy cosmic rays with newly available observational datasets. This project is supported by the NSF grant “Modeling the Variability of the Cosmic Ray Ionization Rate Within 500 Parsecs from Earth.”

Responsibilities

• Implementing numerical models of cosmic ray transport, incorporating:
• Spatial and momentum-space diffusion
• Advection
• Energy losses from interactions with the interstellar medium (ISM)
• Integrating realistic ISM density structures derived from dust extinction maps.
• Developing and applying a stochastic supernova source model that accounts for supernova clustering.
• Comparing model predictions to:
• Voyager spacecraft cosmic ray energy spectra
• Localized cosmic ray ionization rate measurements in molecular clouds, supported by 3D dust extinction data
• Supporting and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in related research projects.
• Complying with all University and State policies.

Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience:
• Demonstrated experience writing code for numerical simulations.
• Experience with cosmic ray transport or astrochemistry is desirable but not required.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience writing code for numerical simulations.
• Experience with cosmic ray transport or astrochemistry is desirable but not required.

Skills

• Experience with numerical simulations.
• Experience with cosmic ray transport or astrochemistry.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$65,000 per year

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours/week), with occasional evening/weekend work and conference travel as needed