Postdoctoral Scholar, Daytona Beach Campus

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach Campus, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position in the field of magnetospheric physics and space instrumentation. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on the design and development of a miniature particle detector, as well as the analysis of satellite observations and numerical simulation results related to the Earth’s magnetosphere and space plasma environment.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment at one of the world’s leading aerospace-focused universities.

Position Responsibilities:

• Participate in the design, development, testing, and integration of a miniature particle detector for space applications.
• Analyze satellite measurements and numerical simulation results in the field of magnetospheric physics and space plasma science.
• Contribute to the development of data analysis tools and scientific interpretation of observational and modeling results.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Assist with proposal development and contribute to externally funded research activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and external research partners on interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Mentoring and Career Development:

This position includes a structured mentoring plan designed to support the professional growth of an early-career postdoctoral scientist and foster the development of independent research capabilities.

Mentoring activities will include:

• Weekly one-on-one meetings focused on research progress, manuscript preparation, proposal development, and career planning.
• Regular group meetings to encourage collaboration, scientific communication, and presentation skills.
• Guidance in building a competitive research portfolio, securing external funding, leading research projects, and publishing high-impact research.

Career development support will include:

• Periodic discussions to define long-term career goals and identify funding opportunities.
• Collaborative establishment of short- and medium-term milestones, including manuscript submissions and grant applications.
• Opportunities to take increasing ownership of research activities, including project leadership, collaboration management, and mentoring junior trainees.

The overall goal of this mentoring framework is to support the successful transition of the postdoctoral scholar toward research independence and long-term career advancement.

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Space Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
• Demonstrated background in space physics, magnetospheric physics, plasma physics, or related disciplines.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and/or numerical simulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space instrumentation or particle detector development.
• Familiarity with satellite data analysis techniques.
• Experience with numerical modeling and scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL, C/C++).
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Application process/requirements

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311531. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter
• Full CV
• 2-page Research statement
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)