PUNCH Postdoc Fellow I

ucar; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

UCAR seeks a highly qualified researcher to analyze NASA's PUNCH observations and compare SDO/HMI magnetograms with MHD simulations, advancing understanding of CME propagation and heliospheric structures. The role involves developing Python/IDL-based analysis tools and contributing to manuscripts and presentations.

The position collaborates with an NCAR staff scientist on predefined objectives and deliverables and requires a PhD in a relevant field with focus on solar physics and data-driven

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in physics, astrophysics, space science, atmospheric physics or related field.
• Within five years of application date or within six months.
• Experience with observational or simulation data in solar physics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze NASA PUNCH observations to characterize CMEs, solar wind structures and heliospheric dynamics.
• Develop Python/IDL tools to derive 3D location and morphology of solar wind features.
• Compare SDO/HMI magnetograms with simulations of low-frequency MHD waves.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at meetings; contribute to reports.

Skills

Solar physics

Observational data analysis

Python

IDL

Unix/Linux

Scientific visualization

3D MHD

Numerical modeling

Data comparison with simulations

Scientific writing/presentation

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in physics/astrophysics/space science

Job description

Position Type

Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Visa Sponsored Job

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible

No

Hiring Range

82,650.00 USD - 82,650.00 USD *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at

12:00am MST on 2026-08-19

About the Role

Conduct research using observations from NASA's Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission to improve understanding of coronal mass ejection (CME) propagation, solar wind evolution, and heliospheric structure. Research activities include the analysis of PUNCH polarization observations to develop methods for determining the three-dimensional location and structure of solar wind features. A separate project will involve the comparison of Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (SDO/HMI) magnetograms against simulation results of low-frequency MHD waves. Research is directed by an NCAR staff scientist and includes pre-defined research objectives and deliverables.

Job Description

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF)

• Resume


• Questionnaire - embedded in application

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

• Analyze NASA PUNCH observations to characterize coronal mass ejections, solar wind structures, and heliospheric dynamics using polarization measurements and other mission data products.


• Develop and implement analysis tools in Python and IDL to derive the three-dimensional location and morphology of solar wind features.


• Analyze SDO/HMI magnetogram observations and compare results with simulations of low-frequency MHD waves.


• Prepare manuscripts, present research findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to project reports and collaborative discussions.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

• Education and Experience: Ph. D. in physics, astrophysics, space science, atmospheric physics, or a related field, within less than five years of the application date or within the next six months.


• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


• Knowledge of solar physics.


• Demonstrated experience analyzing observational or simulation-based scientific datasets.


• Programming skills in Python and/or IDL.


• Experience working in Unix/Linux computing environments.


• Familiarity with scientific visualization and analysis of large datasets.


• Understanding of 3D MHD processes and numerical modeling techniques.


• Experience comparing observations with numerical solutions.


• Quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills.


• Ability to communicate scientific results effectively through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.


• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Hiring Salary: $82,650

Application Requirements

Questionnaire, Resume/CV

Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Benefits Overview

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance


• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary


• Time Off Plans Minimum 20 days of annual PTO


• 10 paid holidays


• 12 weeks of paid parental leave


• FAMLI Leave


• Tuition Assistance Program


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package : health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions : UCAR can sponsor indivi