Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position involving complementary studies in experimental plasma physics and solar physics. The objective of this project is to deepen our understanding of MHD wave damping processes relevant to the heating of the solar corona. This will be carried out through laboratory experiments and related coronal observations. Some key plasma physics processes to be studied include Alfven wave reflection, phase mixing, and dissipation. The successful candidate will join the group of Drs. Michael Hahn and Daniel Wolf Savin. The experimental work will be carried out using the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) located at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). The work at LAPD will be performed in collaboration with Prof. Troy Carter, Dr. Steve Vincena, and the staff of the Basic Plasma Science Facility at UCLA.
The successful candidate will be appointed and based at Columbia. There are plans for two one-week-long visits per year to UCLA to carry out experiments. The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years; this is contingent upon the availability of funds and mutual satisfaction.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Plasma Physics, Astrophysics, Solar Physics, or a related discipline. They will have a strong background in at least some of the following areas: experience with plasma diagnostics such as Langmuir and B-dot probes, RF antennas, associated electronics, ultra-high vacuum systems, understanding of basic plasma physics and plasma waves, familiarity with solar observational data, spectroscopy, computer programming, multidimensional data analysis, Fourier methods, LabView, IDL, the HDF data format, Linux/Mac and Windows.
The successful candidate is expected to be actively involved in defining achievable objectives for the project, executing the project plan and modifying it as necessary, demonstrating an awareness of the relevant work of others in the field and establishing the context for the project, organizing project tasks efficiently, keeping detailed records, meeting deadlines, obtaining meaningful results, analyzing data, formulating supportable conclusions, clearly reporting their findings, accepting constructive criticism, and interacting cooperatively and professionally with our team and with others.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to Dr. Michael Hahn at mhahn@astro.columbia.edu. Applications should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (including a list of publications), and statement of past research. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly by the writers to Dr. Hahn. Applications will be considered only after all of the requested material has been received. Applications can be submitted via email to mhahn@astro.columbia.edu. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Employer. CAL values a diverse workforce and culture of inclusion, which are keys to attracting and engaging the brightest minds to further our record of scientific excellence and groundbreaking innovations. Applications from women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups are strongly
Benefits included are those associated with Officers of Research for further details you can refer to: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits
