Research Associate- 3D Solar Dynamo Modeling

Clarkson-University; Village of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model. You will implement high-order numerical methods, handle diffusion, and study multi-cycle evolution of magnetic fields.

The role involves coupling differential rotation, meridional flow, and active-region source terms, with GPU-accelerated computations and reproducible workflows in a collaborative Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering environment at

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, physics, or related field.
• Experience with HPC and large-scale numerical simulations.
• Programming in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model.
• Solve the magnetic-induction equation with 3D velocity fields.
• Implement high-order numerical methods and enforce solenoidal constraint.

Skills

Numerical methods

Scientific computing

C/C++

CUDA

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Education

PhD in engineering/physics

Tools

CUDA

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Pay Range

USD $34,000.00 - USD $34,000.00 /Yr.

Overview

Clarkson University invites applications for a six-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational solar physics and three-dimensional solar dynamo modeling. The appointment is expected to begin November 2, 2026, with an annualized salary of $68,000 ($34,000 for six months). The position will be supported by NSF Project #375-11200-102810 under the direction of Professor Chunlei Charles Liang.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop, verify, and apply a three-dimensional kinematic solar dynamo model based on the Babcock–Leighton mechanism. The research will focus on numerical modeling of the generation and transport of large-scale solar magnetic fields under prescribed differential rotation, meridional circulation, magnetic diffusion, and Babcock–Leighton poloidal-field source terms.

A central objective is to establish a robust computational framework capable of simulating solar magnetic-field evolution over multiple activity cycles and examining how variations in large-scale flows and Babcock–Leighton source processes influence magnetic-field generation, equatorward migration, polar-field reversal, and solar-cycle variability.

Responsibilities

Research & Scholarly Activities

• Develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model.
• Solve the magnetic-induction equation using prescribed three-dimensional velocity fields representing differential rotation and meridional circulation.
• Develop and evaluate physically appropriate representations of the Babcock–Leighton poloidal-field source, including spatial and temporal variations in active-region emergence.
• Implement high-order numerical methods for magnetic-field evolution, including magnetic diffusion and numerical control of the solenoidal constraint.
• Conduct multi-cycle simulations to investigate the generation and evolution of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields.
• Analyze butterfly diagrams, surface radial magnetic fields, polarity-inversion patterns, polar-field buildup and reversal, and other solar-cycle diagnostics.

Computational Modeling & Analysis

• Investigate the sensitivity of dynamo solutions to differential rotation, meridional circulation, magnetic diffusivity, Babcock–Leighton source parameters, and initial magnetic fields.
• Incorporate observationally reconstructed large-scale solar flows and magnetic-field information, where appropriate, to constrain and evaluate the dynamo model.
• Develop GPU-accelerated computational capabilities for large-scale three-dimensional simulations.
• Prepare simulation datasets, visualization tools, quantitative diagnostics, and reproducible analysis workflows.

Mentorship & Training

• Provide guidance to undergraduate and graduate researchers participating in computational solar-physics projects.
• Share expertise in scientific computing, numerical methods, simulation analysis, and research best practices.
• Contribute to a collaborative and rigorous research environment within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Project & Collaboration Management

• Coordinate research activities with Professor Liang and project collaborators and communicate technical progress in a timely manner.
• Maintain research code, simulation data, documentation, and computational workflows with attention to reproducibility and accuracy.
• Contribute to research reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Collaborate with researchers in solar physics, computational science, and related disciplines as project needs arise.

Operational & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of research integrity, responsible data stewardship, and professional conduct.
• Participate in research meetings, seminars, conferences, and collaborative activities as appropriate.
• Engage in continuous professional development in solar dynamo theory, high-performance computing, and numerical methods.
• Assist with other research-related tasks and scholarly activities consistent with the goals of the funded project.
• Comply with Clarkson University policies and applicable sponsor requirements.

Qualifications

Education:

Minimal Qualifications: Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science/computer engineering, computational science, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in numerical methods and scientific computing is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in high-performance computing, magnetohydrodynamics, solar or stellar dynamo theory, Babcock–Leighton or flux-transport dynamo modeling, high-order numerical methods, spherical computational domains, GPU computing, or scientific data analysis.

Experience:

Minimal Experience: Demonstrated experience in scientific programming and computational research.

Preferred Experience: Experience developing or applying large-scale numerical simulation codes. Programming experience in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or comparable scientific-computing environments is preferred.

Essential Skills

• Strong foundation in numerical methods, scientific computing, computational physics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Ability to develop, verify, and analyze numerical models for partial differential equations and large-scale simulations.
• Experience with scientific programming in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or comparable environments.
• Knowledge of one or more relevant areas such as magnetohydrodynamics, solar or stellar dynamo theory, Babcock–Leighton or flux-transport modeling, high-order methods, spherical computational domains, or GPU computing.
• Strong quantitative data-analysis and visualization skills.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.
• Ability to conduct independent research while collaborating effectively with faculty, students, and external research partners.
• Ability to maintain clear documentation, reproducible code, and organized research data.
• Capacity to learn new mathematical, computational, and physical concepts as the research develops.
• Commitment to research integrity and responsible scientific practice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety

Health & Safety:All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

Disclaimer Statement

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

EEO Statement

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records