Research Associate- 3D Solar Dynamo Modeling

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

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-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, equator ward migration, polar-field reversal, and solar-cycle variability.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Maintain high standards of research integrity, responsible data stewardship, and professional conduct.
• Participate in research meetings, seminars, conferences,…