Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The George Mason University Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work with civil servants at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This position is funded by NASA through the Partnership for Heliophysics and Space Environment Research (PHaSER) cooperative agreement. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment. 

Position Description:

The candidate will conduct Sun-Climate research at NASA/GSFC on dynamical, radiative, chemical couplings between solar forcing and Earth’s atmosphere and/or ionosphere, to better understand solar variability and its impacts on climate. The study will involve analyses of the data from current TSIS (Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor) and Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) missions, as well as mesoscale/climate modeling when needed. The Sun-Climate connection is a complex problem, involving the radiation input from solar spectral irradiance, clouds and water vapor that interact with solar radiation, atmospheric general circulation and waves that distribute the energy absorbed, and global electric circuit that couples the lower atmosphere and ionosphere electrically.

Responsibilities:

The candidate shall provide expertise in the research areas on solar energy variability, analysis of large satellite data, Earth’s atmospheric dynamics, as well as a good understanding of upper atmospheric chemistry and atmosphere-ionosphere coupling. The candidate shall participate in the Sun-climate and solar irradiance science team meetings that NASA sponsors and present research results at these conferences. Publications on peer-reviewed journals are required. 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in remote sensing geoscience with a background in Earth atmospheric sciences;
• Good understanding of atmospheric dynamics and measurement principles, theories, concepts and techniques in radiative transfer modeling;
• Good knowledge of important science questions in the Sun-Climate research and solar variabilities;
• Demonstrated research experience with a track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experiences with solar energy variability, analysis of large satellite data and Earth’s atmosphere dynamics.

Special Instructions to Applicants  

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number F362AZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, CV, and a list of three professional references with contact information. References will be contacted for a letter of recommendation.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.