Recent PhD Graduate - Krimigis Postdoctoral Scholarship Program in the Solar & Space Physics Group

Would you like to participate as a postdoctoral fellow in cutting-edge space physics research?

Are you interested in the sources and behavior of energetic particles and plasmas?

Can you imagine helping to characterize and predict how the activity of the Sun influences systems on Earth, our technosphere and ultimately the habitability of various places in the Solar System?

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, we want you to work with us through the Krimigis Postdoctoral Scholarship (KPS) Program in the Solar & Space Physics Group (SRP) at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). This program is named after Dr. Stamatios "Tom" Krimigis who was a team member on over 50 years of spaceflight investigations of space science, from Mariner 4 to Mars in 1965 through New Horizons to Pluto in 2015. Krimigis Fellows will be hosted by one of the science groups in the Space Science and Instrumentation Branch of the Space Exploration Sector. Key features of this program include:

• partnering with a research advisor who would provide mentoring on development both as a researcher and a science professional;
• research in cutting-edge fields of space science aligned with the research group;
• support for travel to conferences and publications;
• membership in a postdoc cohort that builds a network among peers;
• training in "soft" professional skills, including proposal-writing;
• ability and support to submit grant proposals as a principal investigator;
• a salary that is competitive in the Baltimore-Washington area;
• and a generous benefits package.

Your professional outcome will include great research opportunities, a foundation for the rest of your career, and building of connections with a variety of researchers and programs at APL, a premier space mission implementation center. We encourage all interested students to apply. Positions are for a 2-year term, with a possibility of extension to a third year. Most positions will be for full-time work, although part-time work (down to 50%-time) is possible by participant's request.

The SRP group consists of 50 full- or part-time scientists, postdocs, 1 administrative staff with 5 thematic sections that focus on particle remote sensing, space-based radiation environment, in-situ plasma and fields, solar and inner heliospheric remote sensing, and space plasma theory and modeling. Collectively we work on over 150 projects. The key science questions we address are how the solar wind is accelerated; how energy is transported through planetary magnetospheres; and how the large-scale structures of the heliosphere have influenced habitability of the Earth and other places in the Solar System. Members of our group have worked on dozens of missions and hundreds of instruments over a period spanning five decades. Current active missions that group members are participating in through instrument or science affiliation include Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (JUICE), Europa Clipper, Juno, Solar Corona Ejection Tracker (SunCet), Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS), Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE), New Horizons, STEREO, Advanced Compsition Expolorer (ACE), and the Voyagers. Active data analysis programs also continue for past missions including Cassini, the Van Allen Probes, Geotail, and others. You can learn more about us and our activities by visiting web pages describing Space Weather and Heliophysics.

Research opportunities in the Krimigis Postdoctoral Scholarship Program are primarily mentor-defined opportunities supported by funding from existing grants, missions, and other programs. The topics of the currently available opportunities in Solar and Space Physics are listed below. You should list which opportunities you wish to pursue in your cover letter.

• Develop models and tools for planning and interpreting Energetic Neutral Atom imaging of magnetospheric and heliospheric plasmas to deepen physical understanding of heliophysics environments from current NASA missions (e.g., IMAP) and guide the design of future instruments and missions.
  
• Analyze IMAPUltra ENA data to illuminate the temporal and spatial evolution of the heliospheric boundary and the Sunlocal interstellar medium magnetic interaction, advancing our understanding of energetic particle acceleration and solarwind-interstellar coupling.
  
• Analyze and publish on in-situ ion particle data from the MMS/EPD and PSP/EPI-Lo instruments to address outstanding scientific questions related to solar energetic particles, shock acceleration, magnetic reconnection, and magnetospheric dynamics. Support the instrument operations and data processing for the MMS/EIS instrument.
  
• Develop and build particle instruments, including, but not limited to, laboratory/chamber testing, calibration and testing, design and performance simulation and modeling.

A small number of opportunities could be awarded for 50% coverage, in conjunction with the mentor-defined opportunities for postdoc-defined, original, high-impact research related to the fields of study described above. All applicants are asked to include a 3-page proposal with your cover letter for a hypothesis-driven research program, that addresses a compelling science topic related to one of the topics listed above and can be completed and submitted for publication within a 50% effort over two years. Information on how to structure the research proposal can be found on the Krimigis Postdoctoral Scholars webpage.

The Krimigis Postdoctoral Scholarship Program is open to recipients of a Ph. D. in physics, astrophysics or a related field, whose dissertation focused on research relevant to solar and space physics. Eligibility for the program requires:

• a Ph. D. in a relevant subject awarded after July 1, 2023 (or earlier if a leave of absence has been taken);
• demonstrated ability to do independent research, and submit results for publication by the expected start date; and
• strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have one or more publications, especially with a potentially high impact.

Applications are due March 29, 2026 and notification of selections is expected by the Fall. The start date is negotiable with the applicant.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.