The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National Solar Observatory (NSO) invites applications for a 3-year prestigious postdoctoral fellowship supported by The Brinson Foundation starting September 1, 2025. The fellowship’s scope centers around advancing our understanding of the Sun’s magnetized corona, in particular through the use of the collective datasets from ground and space-based telescopes collected surrounding the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. This includes an emphasis on datasets from the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) alongside data obtained by Mauna Loa Solar Observatory, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, and others. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work alongside NSO/DKIST scientists in broad and collaborative research involving observational data analysis, forward modeling of polarized coronal spectra, and numerical models of the coronal plasma.

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope is a four-meter solar telescope on the island of Maui, Hawai’i. It’s currently the largest solar telescope in the world, and early operations commenced in 2021. DKIST is operated by the NSO under a cooperative agreement with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Inc.

This position is located at NSO's offices in Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii, in close proximity to the telescope. Candidates interested in a position at NSO's Headquarters, located on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder, may be considered at a lower priority.

Essential functions:

Investigate observational methods that may help better constrain the thermal-magnetic structure of the solar corona, especially via polarimetric diagnostics and ground-based eclipse experimentation.
Facilitate and help advance the maximum scientific use of unique coordinated coronal datasets, anchored by the data acquired during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.
Conduct the above scientific research investigation, within the scope of the Brinson Fellowship, in collaboration with other members of the scientific staff.
Gain expertise in DKIST coronal observing capabilities, including the Cryogenic Near-Infrared Spectropolarimeter (CryoNIRSP) and the Diffraction-Limited Near Infrared Spectropolarimeter (DL-NIRSP).
Participate in regular collaborative meetings with external partners.
Write professional papers on results of research.

Other Functions:

Provide service to the observatory as desired or required (not to exceed 20% of the time). Examples of service include observational execution support at the telescope facility and/or data support to external users and collaborators.
Development of new coronal instrument modes including hardware implementation, data validation, and initial science verification.

Duration:

The Brinson Fellowship is awarded through a grant to AURA/NSO for up to three years. Funding will be provided initially for the first year of the fellowship. Renewals for the second and third years will depend on satisfactory annual performance reviews.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or related disciplines completed on or after January 1, 2020, or who will receive their degree before September 1, 2025.
Graduate-student awardees who have not yet received their doctoral degree at the time of application must present evidence of having completed all requirements for the degree before commencing their fellowships.
Proficiency in scientific programming with Python, IDL, or comparable software.
Proficient communication skills within a research environment
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate with colleagues.
Willingness to relocate to the position work location.

Preferred Qualifications:

A background in solar or heliophysics research with an established record of scientific publications.
Experience in the analysis and/or calibration of spectropolarimetric data, and knowledge of forward or inverse modeling tools to interpret polarized spectra.
Self-motivated and goal-oriented.
Willingness and/or relevant experience to participate in or lead the definition of science use cases for DKIST observing proposals.

Physical Demands:

The functions of this position are mostly carried out in an office environment near sea level. Occasional work at high elevations (Haleakala, 3000m) may be necessary; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following via the online system (PDF files preferred for attachments):

Responses to questions within the online application form.
A cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience.
CV or resume containing a list of authored and co-authored publications.
Research statement including a report on research activities and interests to date (suggested length: 2 to 4 pages)
Names and contact information for three professional references (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Deadline: January 15, 2025 or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled.

Inquiries: Please contact Dr. Tom Schad (tschad@nso.edu) for fellowship related questions.

Salary Range: $61,000.00 - $84,920.00. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

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Brinson Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Solar Observatory