The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy is seeking a physicist with experience in space plasmas to conduct research on the Martian ionosphere and its interaction with the solar wind using the MARSIS ionospheric radar on the Mars Express spacecraft. The primary emphasis of this research is to carry out collaborative investigations with the MAVEN spacecraft which is also conducting ionospheric and solar wind interaction studies in orbit around Mars.
Applicants lacking the required post-graduate experience should apply at the parallel posting for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar.
Salary: Commensurate
Percent Time: 100%
Type of Position: Specified Term: A staff member may be appointed to term status for a specific term not to exceed two years in order to accomplish a specific purpose or when the duration of funding is limited or unknown. It is possible that the term of appointment could be extended dependent on funding.
Duties:
• Works independently on research using data from the NASA-funded Mars Express Ionospheric Radar Sounder and Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) Projects at the University of Iowa, with oversight from Professors Don Gurnett and Jasper Halekas.
• Develops detailed knowledge of the Mars Express ionospheric radar sounding instrumentation and data analysis procedures.
• Writes software for data acquisition and data analysis.
• Develops and utilizes advanced data analysis techniques.
• Develops physical interpretations of the analysis results.
• Organizes methods and procedures for analyzing ionospheric data from the Mars Express ionospheric radar sounder.
• Conducts collaborative research with other ionospheric-related investigations on the MAVEN spacecraft.
• Presents research results at scientific meetings.
• Prepares and submits first author manuscripts in appropriate scientific journals, and demonstrates a good publication record.
• Serves as a referee for manuscripts submitted for publication in scientific journals.
• Helps prepare proposals and reports as required by NASA and/or other funding agencies.
• Writes research proposals to obtain independent funding as needed.
• Organizes outreach efforts in alliance with funding sources.
• Serves as a session chair and/or organizes project meetings as needed.
**For detailed job description, please email [email protected].**
Note to Applicant:
The qualifications for this job posting are described as competencies or the behaviors needed to be successful in performing the duties of the position at a defined proficiency level/standard. The proficiency level required for each qualification is included.
Please assure that your application/resume and/or cover letter illustrates the work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities you have that meet each of the required qualifications.
Proficiency levels are defined as:
Basic Application – Uses basic understanding of the field to perform job duties; may need some guidance on job duties; applies learning to recommend options to address unusual situations.
Working Experience – Successfully completes diverse tasks of the job; applies and enhances knowledge and skill in both usual and unusual issues; needs minimal guidance in addressing unusual situations.
For more information about competencies, visit: http://hr.uiowa.edu/competencies.
Education Required: PhD in Physics or Space Physics.
Experience Required: Typically 1-3 years of postdoctoral experience in space physics.
Demonstrates extensive proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
Experience Desired: Highly desirable that the applicant knows how to process and interpret the data from ionospheric radar sounders and plasma instruments.
To apply: go to [email protected] and refer to requisition number 72360.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are strongly committed to diversity; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.