Job Description

Description – External:

Job Summary: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher to conduct basic scientific research on high-latitude electrodynamics and solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions through the use and continued development of the NSF Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) project (http://ampere.jhuapl.edu).

This Post-Doctoral Fellow position in the APL Geospace & Earth Science Group will focus primarily on scientific research of magnetosphere-ionosphere physics using the AMPERE dataset, comprised of magnetic field measurements from the Iridium Communications Network constellation in low-Earth orbit, in concert with complementary data from other assets and physics-based models/simulations. Opportunities are also afforded in supporting AMPERE data processing and adaptation to generate novel data products.

Tasks will include:

-Conducting original research and authoring papers in peer-reviewed journals based on AMPERE and other related datasets and/or simulation results;

-Preparing for and participating in relevant scientific conferences;

-Developing and supporting AMPERE data processing and tools for scientific analysis and visualization, and providing technical support of AMPERE data incorporation into empirical and physics-based models;

-Participation in day-to-day AMPERE and AMPERE-related operations and planning;

-Developing innovative scientific research efforts and proposing to competed solicitations.

The APL Geospace & Earth Science Group has a broad and vibrant basic research program that includes data analysis, theory, and modeling studies of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere system, solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions, ionospheric electrodynamics, atmospheric dynamics, and space weather. The Group also has significant development programs in mission design and space instrumentation, including ground-based and sub-orbital observatories. Current leadership and participation in missions and facilities include, among others, AMPERE, EZIE, SuperMAG, SuperDARN, MMS, DMSP, and TIMED.

Qualifications – External:

Required Qualifications: The applicant must have completed a PhD in Physics or related field, or demonstrated equivalent experience in a scientific field applicable to space physics. The applicant must have published scientific paper(s) as first author in a peer-reviewed journal and contributed to other scientific articles, must have a demonstrated ability to give quality scientific presentations, and demonstrated the skills necessary to write quality papers.

Desired Qualifications: The applicant should have an in-depth knowledge of space plasma physics, preferably including knowledge of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes, ionospheric electrodynamics, and/or solar wind-magnetosphere interactions. The applicant should have experience with the ingestion, analysis, and visualization of in situ datasets, preferably those relevant for research in the area of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling and/or multi-point spacecraft or ground-based observations. Experience with magnetometer instrumentation or other in situ ionospheric- or magnetospheric-relevant instrumentation is also beneficial, but not required.

The applicant should have a working knowledge of data analysis and visualization packages in languages such as IDL, Python, MatLab, or equivalent. Experience with advanced numerical analysis in C, Fortran, or similar languages is beneficial, but not required.

Special Working Conditions: Travel to relevant scientific meetings will be required. Due to COVID-19, these meetings may include virtual or hybrid attendance options.

The applicant must also demonstrate full vaccination against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by start date. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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