The Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellow in computational and theoretical plasma physics. The project has a focus on out of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) energy conversion during collisionless magnetic reconnection through the pressure-strain interaction term, the structure and evolution of kinetic entropy in reconnection and turbulence in weakly collisional plasmas, and/or kinetic simulations of the WVU PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) laboratory experiment. The researcher will use particle-in-cell simulations and closely collaborate with observers from NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and/or experimenters with PHASMA.
Minimum qualifications include a PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, Space Physics, or related discipline and two years previous research experience in theoretical and computational plasma physics and has expertise in kinetic plasmas computing approaches, preferably the particle-in-cell technique. A full list of qualifications and instructions for how to apply are available at https://wvu.taleo.net/careersection/wvu_research/jobdetail.ftl?job=24531. The online application requires a cover letter, a CV, and names and contact information of three references. The offer includes a competitive salary in a location with reasonable cost of living and benefits. Review of applications will begin July 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is immediate.
The WVU plasma/space group is described at https://physics.wvu.edu/research/plasma-and-space-physics. The department supports diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as described at https://physics.wvu.edu/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusivity. WVU is a land grant university enrolling approximately 25,000 students on the main Morgantown campus. WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU Research Corporation is an AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/E-Verify Compliant Employer. Please contact Paul Cassak (Paul.Cassak@mail.wvu.edu) with questions.