PUNCH Postdoc Fellow I

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR); Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

UCAR in Boulder, CO, seeks a researcher to analyze NASA's PUNCH polarization observations to advance understanding of CME propagation and heliospheric structure.

You will develop Python and IDL tools to derive 3D locations of solar wind features, compare magnetograms with MHD simulations, and prepare manuscripts for scientific meetings.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, space science, atmospheric physics, or related field within five years.
• Experience analyzing observational or simulation data in solar/heliospheric context.
• Proficiency with Python and/or IDL; Unix/Linux computing experience.
• Ability to communicate findings and work in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze NASA PUNCH observations to characterize CMEs and solar wind structures.
• Develop analysis tools in Python and IDL for 3D solar wind morphology.
• Compare SDO/HMI magnetograms with low-frequency MHD wave simulations.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at scientific meetings.

Skills

Solar physics

Data analysis

Python/IDL

Unix/Linux

Scientific visualization

3D MHD

Observations vs sims

Analytical skills

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in physics/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

• 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

• 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

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications.

Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.

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

Benefits Overview

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

• 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 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 individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.