Alan Henry Post Doctoral Fellow - Lightning Electromagnetics and Atmospheric Electricity

The Florida Institute of Technology invites applications for the Alan Henry Postdoctoral Fellow position in lightning physics, atmospheric electricity, and near-space electrodynamics. The successful candidate will join an active interdisciplinary research program focused on lightning electromagnetics, atmosphere–ionosphere coupling, high-energy atmospheric phenomena, advanced sensing systems, and impacts on the geospace environment. The position involves both fundamental and applied research using field experiments, electromagnetic instrumentation, numerical modeling, and large-scale data analysis in collaboration with national laboratories and government agencies.

The Alan Henry Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct fundamental and applied research in lightning electromagnetics, atmospheric electricity, atmosphere–ionosphere coupling, and impacts on the near-space environment. The successful candidate will have prior research experience in relevant areas which may include discharge physics, lightning electromagnetic pulses, broadband electromagnetic radiation measurements, high-energy atmospheric phenomena, and ionospheric effects of lightning. This position integrates physical theory, electromagnetic measurement systems, instrumentation development, field experiments, and advanced data analysis and modeling.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in lightning and atmospheric electricity, including analysis of electromagnetic, optical, and/or energetic radiation measurements.
• Develop, test, and deploy electromagnetic instrumentation systems for field and laboratory experiments.
• Lead and participate in field campaigns, including instrument installation, calibration, data acquisition, and troubleshooting.
• Perform advanced data analysis and modeling using numerical, statistical, and computational methods.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Assist in preparation of research proposals and technical reports to sponsoring agencies (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD).
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with electromagnetic measurement systems (VLF/LF/VHF/UHF).
• Instrumentation design and development.
• Field experiment planning and execution.
• Signal processing and time-series analysis.
• Numerical modeling and simulation.
• Programming proficiency (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar).
• Experience with large datasets and scientific computing.
• Familiarity with high-energy atmospheric physics (preferred).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Space Physics, or closely related fields.
• Valid driver’s license required for field operations.
• Ability to obtain institutional field safety clearance.
• Electrical safety training preferred.