Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Magnetospheric Physics

Applications are now being accepted for two or more postdoctoral scientists to work with the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory’s magnetometer group at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The position is funded through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II), more information on CRESST II can be found here: https://cresst2.umd.edu/.

The magnetometer group at GSFC builds magnetometers for magnetic field investigations in the areas of planetary, heliospheric, and terrestrial sciences. They are currently involved in the Juno, MAVEN, and Parker Solar Probe missions. The existing areas of expertise within the group include space plasma physics and interior and crustal magnetism.   

Position 1: The postdoctoral researcher(s) will work for either the Juno or MAVEN projects with the primary responsibility of conducting analysis and publishing the magnetometer results. In addition, each candidate will assist with the magnetometer data validation and calibration.

Position 2: The data scientist’s primary responsibility will be to develop a data production pipeline. This involves taking raw magnetometer data, applying the appropriate transformations and calibrations, and producing the final public data products. The data scientist is encouraged to pursue their own research interest.

All candidates have the possibility to participate in the science planning and data analysis of magnetometers on following upcoming NASA lunar CLPS missions:  Lunar Lander Mag (L2MAG), Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder (LMS), and Lunar Surface Electromagnetic Experiment (LuSEE), and the Geostationary Transfer Orbit Satellite (GTOSat) cubesat.  

Candidates for this position should have earned a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, planetary science, space physics, geosciences, or related fields. Successful candidates should also have expertise with one or more programming languages commonly used in space science including Python, IDL, MATLAB, and/or FORTRAN. A demonstrated track record in analyzing spaceflight data, especially magnetometer data and experience with the NAIF SPICE software package is highly desired. Initial funding for this position will be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

The positions will remain open until filled, however, applications received by April 30, 2020 will receive the best consideration. Each applicant should send a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of interest, and contact information for three references to:

Application materials should be submitted to:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Magnetospheric Physics

CRESST II

Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC

Greenbelt, MD 20771, or

Via e-mail to katherine.s.mckee@nasa.gov

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Approximate start date by September 1, 2020 is preferred; later start dates may be negotiated. Technical information concerning the research should be directed to Dr. Ron Oliversen (ronald.j.oliversen@nasa.gov). For information on CRESST II contact Katie McKee (katherine.s.mckee@nasa.gov). We are committed to building a diverse group and encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. All CRESST II institutions are Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employers.