Kinetic Plasma Physics: Data Analysis and Modeling

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU is offering a NASA Postdoctoral Program opportunity in Greenbelt, Maryland, focused on research in Heliophysics. Candidates will analyze data from various missions, including STEREO and Parker Solar Probe. A Doctorate in plasma physics or related fields is essential, along with skills in relevant programming languages. The application deadline is November 1, 2026, and candidates must submit a research proposal and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Sufficient knowledge of instrumentation to analyze data and perform independent research.
• Basic level of computer coding in several programming languages required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze in situ particle and field data from Heliophysics missions.
• Examine phenomena like collisionless shocks and magnetic reconnection.
• Perform independent research based on data analysis.

Skills

Knowledge of instrumentation

Computer coding (Python, IDL, Mathematica, Matlab, C/C++, Fortran)

Education

Doctorate in plasma physics, space physics, or plasma astrophysics

Job description

Overview

Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code: 0307-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Heliophys

How to Apply: All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

Application Deadline

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

About the NASA Postdoctoral Program

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Opportunity Description

Analysis of in situ particle and field data from Heliophysics missions to examine fundamental phenomena such as collisionless shocks, magnetic reconnection, turbulence, wave-particle interactions, and kinetic theory. Spacecraft included in this opportunity include, but are not limited to, STEREO, THEMIS, Van Allen Probes, MMS, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and Wind. Applicants should have sufficient knowledge of the instrumentation to analyze data and perform independent research.

Field of Science: Heliophysics Science

Advisors

Lynn Wilson III
[e-mail]
[phone]

Questions about this opportunity? Please email [e-mail]

Qualifications

Applicants should have sufficient knowledge of the instrumentation to analyze data and perform independent research. A basic level of computer coding is required in languages such as Python, IDL, Mathematica, Matlab, C/C++, or Fortran. A doctorate in plasma physics, space physics, or plasma astrophysics is required.

Point of Contact

Mikeala

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.