Inside Higher Ed
Post Doctoral Fellow - Department of Physics and Astronomy
Inside Higher Ed, Clemson, South Carolina, United States, 29631
Overview
Dr. Paul Cassak invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Clemson University. This position offers a competitive salary in a region with a relatively low cost of living, university benefits, and travel funds for conferences. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research in theoretical and computational plasma physics, focusing on out of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) energy conversion during collisionless magnetic reconnection through the pressure-strain interaction term and/or the structure and evolution of kinetic entropy in reconnection and turbulence in weakly collisional plasmas. The role includes using kinetic simulations and analytical theory, with opportunities to collaborate with observers from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and interact with graduate students in a collaborative environment. About the PI Lab & Department:
The Cassak group conducts theoretical and computational plasma physics with an emphasis on space and solar physics. Numerical techniques include kinetic approaches and, when needed, fluid methods. The group collaborates with colleagues using satellite observations and laboratory experiments. Clemson University’s atmospheric and space physics group information is available at the department research page. Other research areas in the Department include Astronomy and Astrophysics; Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics; Biophysics; and Condensed Matter Physics. Clemson University is a land‑grant university with about 23,000 students and is classified as R1 (Very High Research Activity). The university is located in a town recognized for quality of life, and is 45 minutes from Greenville, a top US city for living. For more information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy and its programs, visit the Clemson University Science website. Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will: Perform research in theoretical and computational plasma physics, with a focus on kinetic simulations (notably particle-in-cell techniques) and associated theory. Collaborate with NASA MMS observers and interact with graduate students in a collaborative environment. Develop and communicate research results through presentations and publications in standard scholarly formats. Qualifications
A successful candidate must have completed requirements for a PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, Space Physics, or related field by the start date. Strong preference for expertise in computational approaches to simulate kinetic plasmas (particle-in-cell technique) and a solid background in plasma physics theory. Additional beneficial abilities include independent research potential, teamwork, problem-solving, effective communication of complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences, data analysis, and ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators. Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. The preferred start date is August 15, 2025. Applicants should submit via Interfolio: Cover letter with a statement of interest Curriculum vitae (CV) with publications Names and contact information for 3 references Questions may be directed to Paul Cassak (pcassak@clemson.edu). To apply, visit
https://apply.interfolio.com/164291 Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
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Dr. Paul Cassak invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Clemson University. This position offers a competitive salary in a region with a relatively low cost of living, university benefits, and travel funds for conferences. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research in theoretical and computational plasma physics, focusing on out of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) energy conversion during collisionless magnetic reconnection through the pressure-strain interaction term and/or the structure and evolution of kinetic entropy in reconnection and turbulence in weakly collisional plasmas. The role includes using kinetic simulations and analytical theory, with opportunities to collaborate with observers from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and interact with graduate students in a collaborative environment. About the PI Lab & Department:
The Cassak group conducts theoretical and computational plasma physics with an emphasis on space and solar physics. Numerical techniques include kinetic approaches and, when needed, fluid methods. The group collaborates with colleagues using satellite observations and laboratory experiments. Clemson University’s atmospheric and space physics group information is available at the department research page. Other research areas in the Department include Astronomy and Astrophysics; Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics; Biophysics; and Condensed Matter Physics. Clemson University is a land‑grant university with about 23,000 students and is classified as R1 (Very High Research Activity). The university is located in a town recognized for quality of life, and is 45 minutes from Greenville, a top US city for living. For more information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy and its programs, visit the Clemson University Science website. Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will: Perform research in theoretical and computational plasma physics, with a focus on kinetic simulations (notably particle-in-cell techniques) and associated theory. Collaborate with NASA MMS observers and interact with graduate students in a collaborative environment. Develop and communicate research results through presentations and publications in standard scholarly formats. Qualifications
A successful candidate must have completed requirements for a PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, Space Physics, or related field by the start date. Strong preference for expertise in computational approaches to simulate kinetic plasmas (particle-in-cell technique) and a solid background in plasma physics theory. Additional beneficial abilities include independent research potential, teamwork, problem-solving, effective communication of complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences, data analysis, and ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators. Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. The preferred start date is August 15, 2025. Applicants should submit via Interfolio: Cover letter with a statement of interest Curriculum vitae (CV) with publications Names and contact information for 3 references Questions may be directed to Paul Cassak (pcassak@clemson.edu). To apply, visit
https://apply.interfolio.com/164291 Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr