Postdoc: 3D Solar Dynamo Modeling

Clarkson University; Town of Potsdam, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson University invites applications for a six-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational solar physics and three-dimensional solar dynamo modeling. The appointment can begin November 2, 2026, with an annualized salary of $68,000.

The postdoc will develop a 3D Babcock–Leighton dynamo model and perform multi-cycle simulations to study magnetic-field evolution. The role includes mentoring researchers, collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team, and advancing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science/computer engineering, computational science, or a closely related discipline. Strong background in numerical methods and scientific computing.
• Experience developing or applying large-scale numerical simulation codes; programming in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB or comparable environments.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific programming and computational research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model.
• Solve the magnetic-induction equation using prescribed 3D velocity fields representing differential rotation and meridional circulation.
• Develop and evaluate representations of the Babcock–Leighton poloidal-field source with spatial/temporal variations.
• Implement high-order numerical methods for magnetic-field evolution and enforce the solenoidal constraint.
• Conduct multi-cycle simulations to study toroidal/poloidal field evolution.
• Coordinate with Professor Liang and collaborators; maintain code, data, and workflows.

Skills

Numerical methods

Scientific computing

C/C++ programming

CUDA

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering / aerospace engineering / applied mathematics / physics / astrophysics / computer science / computational science

Tools

CUDA

Python

MATLAB

Fortran

C/C++

Job description

Clarkson University invites applications for a six-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational solar physics and three-dimensional solar dynamo modeling. The appointment can begin November 2, 2026, with an annualized salary of $68,000.

The postdoc will develop a 3D Babcock–Leighton dynamo model and perform multi-cycle simulations to study magnetic-field evolution. The role includes mentoring researchers, collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team, and advancing