Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a curriculum vitae with a list of publications and a three-page statement about past research accomplishments and future research projects. A minimum of three letters of recommendation must be emailed separately to Alice Chow ( ac13@rice.edu ).

Position Summary:

The Rice Space Institute ( https://rsi.rice.edu ) is seeking applicants for one or two postdoctoral associates to conduct independent research that contributes to the scientific mission of the Institute, with a focus on the fields of solar physics, space physics, stellar astrophysics, and high-energy astrophysics. Scholars with a track record of interdisciplinary research covering two or more of these research areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact closely with members of the Laboratory for Space and Astrophysical Plasmas (LSAP), which includes solar and space physicists, as well as astrophysicists, who use observations, theory, and modeling to enhance our understanding of plasmas in the space and astrophysics context and the interaction of these plasmas with magnetic fields. The successful candidate will be housed in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the Department of Physics & Astronomy webpage ( https://physics.rice.edu/ ) to consider how their future projects might align with existing research areas in astronomy, astrophysics, solar physics, and space physics.

One of the positions will be primarily funded by the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) ( https://mms.rice.edu ) and will focus on theory, modeling, and data analysis related to magnetic reconnection.

The appointment will be for one year, renewable for up to three years, contingent upon funding and availability based on progress and performance. The initial annual salary for an RSI Gordon Prize Postdoctoral Associate is comparable to other Solar Physics, Space Physics, and Astrophysics prize fellowships and is subject to annual review and adjustment. In addition, the Associate will receive support for travel, computing services, publications, and other research costs.

The start date is no later than September 1, 2025, and only applications received by January 15, 2025, will receive full consideration.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy/Astrophysics, or equivalent degree in a related field

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction
• Excellent time management skills

Essential Functions:

• Performs experiments, analyzes data, and/or develops models to understand the properties and role of solar, space, and astrophysical plasmas.
• Publishes and presents research findings.
• Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines.
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

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