Job Description

Job Description Summary:

HAO/NCAR is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work on the end-to-end modeling of synthetic observables from the Chromosphere Magnetism Explorer (CMEx) and their interpretation in terms of the magnetic field. The goal of the project is to demonstrate CMEx’s ability to answer the science questions it was designed for. CMEx is an NCAR/HAO-led mission that addresses some of the most important science questions in solar physics: the configuration of the chromospheric magnetic field, its role in the energy buildup leading to solar eruptions, and its contribution to the heliospheric magnetic field through polar coronal holes. CMEx will observe the intensity and polarization of light in a spectral window in the near UV that comprises the Mg II resonance lines as well as dozens of Fe I and Fe II spectral lines. The CMEx proposal was submitted in December of 2022 in response to NASA’s announcement of opportunity for Small Explorer missions. The work proposed here is in preparation for a possible Phase A award, or for proposal resubmission to a future NASA call in the event that CMEx does not advance to Phase A.

The successful candidate will work at HAO in collaboration with Drs. Holly Gilbert, Alfred de Wijn, Paul Bryans, Rebecca Centeno, Matthias Rempel, Roberto Casini and others. The work entails using HAO’s radiative transfer forward modeling codes to create synthetic Stokes spectra of Mg II and Fe I/II from atmospheric models of selected solar active and quiet features. The spectra will be degraded to the CMEx specifications and will then be interpreted using existing inversion methods to extract relevant information on the magnetic field stratification. The development of a new spectral line inversion prototype could also be part of the scope of the project.

Requirements: PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, or related sciences; Familiarity with solar physics; Working knowledge of polarized radiative transfer and spectral line inversions; Fluency in IDL or Python. Experience with high performance computing and handling of rMHD model output are desired by not required.

The duration of the appointment is of 1 year, with a possibility of extension depending on project needs and funding availability. The successful candidate may start as soon as October 1, 2023.

Please submit a CV with a list of publications, a one-page statement of interest and the name and contact details of two references with your application.
We will start evaluating candidates mid-September and will continue to accept applications until the position is successfully filled. If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Centeno (rce@ucar.edu).

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.
Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Compensation Min - Mid Range:

73,000.00 USD - 73,000.00 USD

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience and skills relevant to the role.*

Application Notes

Job Location: Boulder, CO (Hybrid) - A minimum of 2 days a week in the office is REQUIRED

Annual Salary: $73,000

Job Position type: This is a full-time, 1-year position

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until September 25, 2023.

Required application materials: Resume.

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be
performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What would you do:

Synthesis of spectra of NUV emission lines in radiative transfer codes from rMHD model atmospheres. Degradation of the spectra to simulate measurements of solar-observing instruments.

Inference of physical conditions from synthetic spectra using existing diagnostic tools and spectral line inversion codes. Comparison of inference results with ground truth. Quantify diagnostic power of NUV spectral region.

Publication and presentation of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and for presentation at meetings and conferences.

Prepares project reports as required.

Education and Experience REQUIRED:

Ph.D. or Sc. D. degree in solar physics or space physics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

Knowledge of solar physics, specifically spectropolarimetry and radiative transfer.

Proficiency in computer languages, such as C/C++, Python, IDL, and Fortran.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities DESIRED but NOT Required:

Experience designing and running codes on high-performance computer clusters.
Knowledge of magnetohydrodynamic codes.
Prior experience of work with solar UV emission.
Knowledge of the solar photosphere, chromosphere, and corona.