Post Doctoral - Researcher - Computational Astrophysics

University of Texas At El Paso • El Paso, TX

39d • $65,000

About The Position

We invite applications for a 2-year position in computational astrophysics focusing on linking transport models of low-energy cosmic rays with recently available observations. This project is funded by the NSF grant entitled Modeling the variability of the cosmic ray ionization rate within 500 parsecs from Earth.

Requirements

• Education: PhD in astrophysics, physics or a related field
• Experience: Prior experience writing code for numerical simulations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cosmic ray transport models or astrochemistry will be viewed positively, but is not required.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will work with professor Kedron Silsbee to carry out a research project focused on cosmic rays in the local interstellar medium.
• The successful candidate will implement a model of cosmic ray transport including spatial and momentum-space diffusion, advection, and energy losses due to interaction with the ISM.
• In particular, we aim to incorporate the true density structure of the interstellar medium as revealed by dust extinction maps, and a realistic stochastic source model that includes the statistical clustering of supernova explosions.
• The candidate will compare the results of this model to the energy spectra of different cosmic ray species measured with the Voyager probes, and to measurements of the cosmic ray ionization rate in nearby molecular clouds that can now be localized in three-dimensional space with the help of dust extinction maps.
• In addition to the research program, the selected candidate will be encouraged to work with and help mentor both undergraduate and graduate students.
• The successful candidate must comply with all State and University policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees