Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasma Physics
Dartmouth College

Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasma Physics

Location:
Hanover, NH
Open Date:
Oct 4, 2024
Description:

The "Plasma Turbulence" group at Dartmouth College's Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher. Our group integrates theoretical frameworks with advanced simulations to investigate various problems related to plasma turbulence. A researcher joining our group will encounter a dynamic research environment focused on theoretical and computational plasma physics. The position offers flexibility to pursue personal research interests and develop an impactful research agenda.

Qualified candidates will have interests in one or more of the following areas: plasma dynamo, plasma instabilities and turbulence including those in radiation-rich environments, heating and particle acceleration in relativistic and non-relativistic turbulence, interplay of shocks and turbulence, and interplay of reconnection and turbulence. We encourage the postdoctoral researcher to use appropriate numerical tools (e.g., particle-in-cell, gyrokinetic, MHD simulations) for different problems. The postdoctoral researcher will also have access to tools used by the group, including the GPU-accelerated particle-in-cell codes, particularly the ENTITY code. 

A postdoctoral position is also available in plasma astrophysics; some candidates may be qualified to apply to both positions.

The initial appointment will be for two years starting between Spring and Fall 2025, with possibility of renewal for a third year. The exact start date is flexible. This position is full-time, non-remote, in-residence at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH. The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily advised and hosted in the Department of Physics and Astronomy-a highly interactive and vibrant community of over 70 faculty, graduate students, and postdocs with an excellent plasma physics program. Postdoctoral scholars are also supported by the Guarini School for Graduate and Advanced Studies, including their diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. People with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives make the Dartmouth community diverse, which enhances academic excellence. In addition, we value applicants who have a demonstrated ability to contribute to Dartmouth's diversity initiatives in STEM research, such as the Women in Science Project, the EE Just STEM Scholars Program, and the Academic Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Applicants should address in their cover letter how their research, teaching, service, and/or life experiences prepare them to advance Dartmouth's commitment to diversity in service of academic excellence.
Qualifications:

• PhD in physics or a closely related field at the time of starting the position
• Expertise in computational physics, numerical methods, and high-performance computing
• Familiarity with scientific programming (C , Fortran), version control systems, and GPU computing
• Strong track record of relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interest in visualization techniques for large simulation datasets, using platforms like Python, Mathematica, ParaView, or comparable tools
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, organizational affiliations, and levels of expertise
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work well as a member of a growing team that includes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as collaborators at US institutions and abroad
• Willingness to travel to conferences and collaborative meetings, and to participate in or lead community-building activities

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct and analyze simulations; oversee large projects using national supercomputing resources; advance theoretical understanding of plasma turbulence or related problems
• Participate in departmental activities, engage with postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, principal investigators, and project team members across partner institutions
• Deliver guest lectures in plasma physics and modeling courses related to the candidate's profile
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in scientific methods and career development
• Foster an equitable, inclusive, and antiracist lab environment; practice understanding-based communication techniques

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following materials electronically via Interfolio:

1. Cover letter;
2. CV, including contact information for three reference letters;
3. Research statement, including past experiences and future goals.

Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2025; applications submitted after this date will be reviewed until the position is filled. Recommendation letters will be requested only for finalists. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Muni Zhou (Muni.Zhou@dartmouth.edu). 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other category protected by applicable law, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment, or other school administered programs. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. 

If you are an applicant with a disability and need accommodations to assist in the job application or interview process, please email ADA@dartmouth.edu. In the subject line, please state "Application Accommodations" and include the job number or title. Someone from the ADA Compliance Office will be in touch within 2 business days.   

For additional employment opportunities at Dartmouth College, please visit the Dartmouth Interfolio Job Board, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Human Resources.

Offers of employment are contingent upon consent to a pre-employment background check with results acceptable under Dartmouth policy. Please visit the Office of Human Resources for details.

All Dartmouth College employees must comply with the College's health and safety guidelines and protocols, including but not limited to those related to COVID-19, such as any testing, masking, or distancing requirements that may be in place at any given time or place.

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