Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physics

The University of Texas at Arlington Portal • Arlington, TX

4d

About The Position

The Department of Physics in the College of Science at the University of Texas at Arlington invites applications for a postdoctoral position. The successful candidate will investigate key processes related to magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling, energetic particle dynamics, and the structure and dynamics of magnetic fields and plasma in Earth’s magnetotail under solar wind driving. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with observations from major NASA missions, including THEMIS , MMS , and TRACERS , as well as low-altitude CubeSat missions such as ELFIN , CIRBE , and REAL . The position involves analyzing multi-instrument datasets to study plasma processes and particle acceleration in geospace. Research activities will integrate observational data analysis, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations to advance our understanding of magnetospheric dynamics. The successful candidate will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to collaborative research projects. This position is expected to start June 2026. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct high-quality, independent research in the field of space plasma physics. The successful candidate will investigate key processes related to magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling, energetic particle dynamics, and the structure and dynamics of magnetic fields and plasma in Earth’s magnetotail under solar wind driving. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with observations from major NASA missions, including THEMIS , MMS , and TRACERS , as well as low-altitude CubeSat missions such as ELFIN , CIRBE , and REAL . The position involves analyzing multi-instrument datasets to study plasma processes and particle acceleration in geospace. Research activities will integrate observational data analysis, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations to advance our understanding of magnetospheric dynamics. The successful candidate will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to collaborative research projects.

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related field, completed within the past 3–5 years
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong research background, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• Possess relevant technical expertise in experimental, computational, or theoretical methods
• In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with spacecraft data analysis and preparation in theoretical plasma physics is desirable
• A background in spacecraft instrument design and modeling is also desirable but not required

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality, independent research in the field of space plasma physics
• Investigate key processes related to magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling, energetic particle dynamics, and the structure and dynamics of magnetic fields and plasma in Earth’s magnetotail under solar wind driving
• Work with observations from major NASA missions, including THEMIS , MMS , and TRACERS , as well as low-altitude CubeSat missions such as ELFIN , CIRBE , and REAL
• Analyze multi-instrument datasets to study plasma processes and particle acceleration in geospace
• Integrate observational data analysis, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations to advance our understanding of magnetospheric dynamics
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
• Present findings at international conferences
• Contribute to collaborative research projects

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees