ORAU · 1 month ago
Coronal and Solar Wind Models and the Data Used to Drive and Validate Them
Greenbelt, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Senior LevelORAU is associated with the NASA Postdoctoral Program, which offers research opportunities for talented scientists. The role involves modeling and forecasting geomagnetic disturbance events using coronal and solar wind models, as well as working with various solar observations and data validation.
Universities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Accurate knowledge of the state of the corona and solar wind is critical for reliably modeling and forecasting, days in advance, geomagnetic disturbance events
Individuals interested in working with coronal and solar wind models and/or the input data used to drive them are highly encouraged to apply for this opportunity
The modeling side of this work will involve using simple physics and empirical based models, or depending on experience and interest, advanced numerical models such as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) codes
The data aspect of this effort involves working with a variety of ground and space based solar disk observations, as well as in-situ data from multiple spacecraft
These data are used to both validate and/or drive the models
For instance, work to improve the identification of coronal holes in solar disk observations is highly desired as they can be used for validating models of the solar coronal, solar wind, and for forecasting purposes
Photospheric magnetic field observations are available from a number of different solar observatories and are key data for driving solar models
Experience has shown that the data from each observatory are unique and require careful handling before they can be assembled into global maps of the sun that are then used in the models
There are also many different ways of making these maps, depending on their application
The most sophisticated method that we are actively working on makes use of a magnetic field evolution model that is routinely updated with new observations using rigorous data assimilation techniques
Qualification
Required
Doctoral Degree
Research proposal
Three letters of recommendation
Official doctoral transcript documents
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status
Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status
Company
ORAU
ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance research and education, protect public health and the environment and strengthen national security.
Founded in 1946
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Andy Page
President /CEO
Scott Miller
President and CEO, ORAU ConScientia
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2025-12-05
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