Post-doctoral scientist positions available at the Institute of Space Sciences, Shandong University, China

We cordially invite 3 highly-motivated postdoctoral scientists from outside China who obtained their PhD degrees within 3 years prior to employment in plasma physics, space physics/space weather studies, solar physics, computational fluid dynamics or related fields. The successful applicants are expected to have demonstrated skills in both conducting independent research and publishing in refereed journals.

The Institute of Space Sciences at Shandong University (ISS-SDU) has been involved in the nation’s space exploration programs, and conducting quality independent research since its establishment in 2008. Assisted by postgraduates and qualified supporting staff, we are a team of scientists working in space physics and space weather, observational astrophysics, planetary science, and nuclear astrophysics and cosmology. We are particularly interested in the fundamental space plasma physics as well as the initiation and evolution of catastrophic space weather events. We are also interested in studies related to space instrumentation.

The applicants are expected to work with,

1) Dr. Yao Chen (yaochen@sdu.edu.cn) on physical processes associated with solar eruptions. Of primary interests are coronal mass ejections, flares, and relevant processes including shocks, magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration, radio bursts, etc.

2) Dr. Bo Li (BBL@sdu.edu.cn) on observational and numerical simulation studies of the solar corona and solar wind. Of primary interests are the solar wind heating, and the thermodynamics of CMEs.

3) Dr. Li-dong Xia (XLD@sdu.edu.cn) on multi-wavelength observational studies of the fundamental processes in the solar atmosphere. Of particular interests are the physics of the solar transition region, and the origin of the solar wind.

The posts are available for a fixed term of two years with a possible 2-year extension depending on funding availability and performance, and can start as early as 1 May 2013. The annual salary is 20,000 to 25,000 US dollars, depending on qualification and experience. Each employed scientist will receive support to attend up to 3 international conferences during this two-year term. Accommodation will be provided free of charge (worth an additional 5000-US dollar value), which is in easy reach of recreational facilities, shopping plazas, the university campus, and the Weihai International Beach. The ISS is located in the scenic coastal city of Weihai, which with its considerably low living cost and wonderful beaches is considered one of the nation’s most desirable cities.

Applications will be considered from 1 Dec 2012 onwards. We will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled. Candidates should submit electronically a CV, a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, and two letters of reference, to one of the three prospective collaborators.