PUNCH Postdoc Fellow I

• Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Yes

No

82,650.00 USD - 82,650.00 USD

• Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to 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) magneto grams against simulation results of low-frequency MHD waves.

Research is directed by an NCAR staff scientist and includes pre-defined research objectives and deliverables.

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

(preferably uploaded as a PDF)

• Resume
• Questionnaire - embedded in application

Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

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

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 magneto gram 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.

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

• 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 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.

Questionnaire, Resume/CV

For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the Final date to receive applications. 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. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

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.

UCAR…