POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Solar Orbiter SPICE - Boulder, Colorado at Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:

Southwest Research Institute's Solar System Science & Exploration Division is located in Boulder, Colorado. We conduct basic observational, modeling, and theoretical research in a wide range of solar system and astrophysical topics, including Solar Physics/Heliophysics, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Origins Research, and Geophysics. We also participate and/or lead several NASA orbital and deep space missions, including New Horizons (Pluto), Mars Science Laboratory (Mars), Lucy (Jovian Trojans), PUNCH (Sun) and Solar Orbiter (Sun).

Objectives of this Role:

• Perform scientific research using data from the SPICE (Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment) instrument on Solar Orbiter. SPICE is an extreme-ultraviolet imaging spectrometer to characterize temperature, density, mass flow, and composition in the solar atmosphere.
• Work with other researchers at SwRI on the SPICE team to analyze and interpret SPICE data in combination with data from other Solar Orbiter instruments and Heliophysics missions to study the complex dynamic connection between the Sun and inner heliosphere.
• Participate in data reduction, analysis, modeling and publication of scientific results from SPICE, as well as participate in SPICE observational planning, calibration, and assisting the community in the use of SPICE data.
• The successful candidate is also encouraged to develop his/her own research program and participate in proposals for future projects.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Serve as postdoctoral researcher working with other researchers at SwRI on the SPICE team. This includes participation in SPICE Consortium meetings, and the development of joint observing campaigns, planning & observation parameter trades, as appropriate.
• The successful candidate will present results at Team Meetings and other international Scientific Meetings (e.g. AGU, EGU, AAS, etc.).

Requirements:

• Requires a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Astronomy or an equivalent degree field.
• 1-2 years: Experience as a graduate student in Solar Physics, solar spectroscopy, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge in data reduction and analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, IDL/Solarsoft (or similar) is highly desirable.
• Good communication skills and be willing to work both independently and in a group setting.