Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasma Physics

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 par