A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your
resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. The Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering in the University of Michigan College of Engineering invites applications for an Assistant Research Scientist position in planetary space physics. The successful candidate will conduct research on planetary magnetospheres, with a focus on terrestrial planets, including Mercury and Mars, and comparative studies involving outer-planet magnetospheres and planetary moons. The position will involve analyzing particle and field measurements acquired by spacecraft missions and using advanced space plasma simulation tools to interpret spacecraft observations. The successful candidate will contribute to a larger interdisciplinary research program while demonstrating the potential to develop a recognized body of scholarship in planetary magnetospheric physics. Conduct research on the structure, dynamics, and plasma processes of planetary magnetospheres. Analyze particle and field measurements acquired by spacecraft missions, with particular emphasis on Mercury and Mars. Conduct comparative studies involving terrestrial planets, outer-planet magnetospheres, and planetary moons. Develop, perform, and analyze space plasma simulations of planetary magnetospheres. Integrate numerical simulation results with spacecraft observations to investigate magnetospheric processes and interpret mission data. Contribute to the scholarly advancement of planetary space-physics research, including research conducted as part of a larger collaborative program. Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Present research findings at relevant academic and professional conferences. Lead and contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and pursue external funding to support independent or collaborative research. A Ph.D. in space physics or a closely related field. Postdoctoral research training or equivalent research experience involving the plasma environments of Mercury and/or Mars. Experience in analyzing particle and field measurements acquired by spacecraft missions. Proficiency in developing, performing, and analyzing space plasma simulations relevant to planetary magnetospheres. Demonstrated ability to integrate spacecraft observations with global space plasma simulations. A record of scholarly achievement demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated experience with developing competitive proposals for external research funding. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of leading or making substantial contributions to proposals that have successfully secured funding from federal agencies or other sponsors. Evidence of potential for continued scholarly development, either independently or as part of a larger research program. Effective written and oral scientific communication skills. The ability to conduct research independently and work effectively within collaborative and interdisciplinary teams. The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
