Research Associate- 3D Solar Dynamo Modeling

About the role

Clarkson University invites applications for a six‑month Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational solar physics and three‑dimensional solar dynamo modeling. The appointment is expected to begin November 2, 2026, with an annualized salary of $68,000 ($34,000 for six months). The position will be supported by NSF Project #375-11200-102810 under the direction of Professor Chunlei Charles Liang.

Responsibilities

• Develop, verify, and apply a three‑dimensional kinematic solar dynamo model based on the Babcock‑Leighton mechanism.
• Solve the magnetic‑induction equation using prescribed three‑dimensional velocity fields representing differential rotation and meridional circulation.
• Develop and evaluate physically appropriate representations of the Babcock‑Leighton poloidal‑field source, including spatial and temporal variations in active‑region emergence.
• Implement high‑order numerical methods for magnetic‑field evolution, including magnetic diffusion and numerical control of the solenoidal constraint.
• Conduct multi‑cycle simulations to investigate the generation and evolution of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields.
• Analyze butterfly diagrams, surface radial magnetic fields, polarity‑inversion patterns, polar‑field buildup and reversal, and other solar‑cycle diagnostics.
• Investigate the sensitivity of dynamo solutions to differential rotation, meridional circulation, magnetic diffusivity, Babcock‑Leighton source parameters, and initial magnetic fields.
• Incorporate observationally reconstructed large‑scale solar flows and magnetic‑field information, where appropriate, to constrain and evaluate the dynamo model.
• Develop GPU‑accelerated computational capabilities for large‑scale three‑dimensional simulations.
• Prepare simulation datasets, visualization tools, quantitative diagnostics, and reproducible analysis workflows.
• Provide guidance to undergraduate and graduate researchers participating in computational solar‑physics projects.
• Share expertise in scientific computing, numerical methods, simulation analysis, and research best practices.
• Contribute to a collaborative and rigorous research environment within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
• Coordinate research activities with Professor Liang and project collaborators and communicate technical progress in a timely manner.
• Maintain research code, simulation data, documentation, and computational workflows with attention to reproducibility and accuracy.
• Contribute to research reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Collaborate with researchers in solar physics, computational science, and related disciplines as project needs arise.
• Maintain high standards of research integrity, responsible data stewardship, and professional conduct.
• Participate in research meetings, seminars, conferences, and collaborative activities as appropriate.
• Engage in continuous professional development in solar dynamo theory, high‑performance computing, and numerical methods.
• Assist with other research‑related tasks and scholarly activities consistent with the goals of the funded project.
• Comply with Clarkson University policies and applicable sponsor requirements.

Requirements

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science/computer engineering, computational science, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in numerical methods and scientific computing is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in high‑performance computing, magnetohydrodynamics, solar or stellar dynamo theory, Babcock‑Leighton or flux‑transport dynamo modeling, high‑order numerical methods, spherical computational domains, GPU computing, or scientific data analysis.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience in scientific programming and computational research.
• Experience developing or applying large‑scale numerical simulation codes.
• Programming experience in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or comparable scientific‑computing environments.
• Strong foundation in numerical methods, scientific computing, computational physics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Ability to develop, verify, and analyze numerical models for partial differential equations and large‑scale simulations.
• Knowledge of one or more relevant areas such as magnetohydrodynamics, solar or stellar dynamo theory, Babcock‑Leighton or flux‑transport modeling, high‑order methods, spherical computational domains, or GPU computing.
• Strong quantitative data‑analysis and visualization skills.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.
• Ability to conduct independent research while collaborating effectively with faculty, students, and external research partners.
• Ability to maintain clear documentation, reproducible code, and organized research data.
• Capacity to learn new mathematical, computational, and physical concepts as the research develops.
• Commitment to research integrity and responsible scientific practice.

Pay

USD $34,000.00 – USD $34,000.00 per year (annualized salary of $68,000 for the six‑month appointment).

Schedule

Six‑month Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment, expected to begin November 2, 2026.