The LESIA/Paris observatory solar physics research group of CNRS, France (lesia.obspm.fr/-Presentation-du-LESIA-.html?lang=en) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the FLARECAST space weather project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Programme (flarecast.eu/).
The successful applicant will work with the solar physics group in Meudon, France, whose main research activity is dedicated to the study of solar activity. The appointment is scheduled to start at the end of 2015 / beginning of 2016, for an initial period of one year, with extension to a maximum duration of one year subject to satisfactory performance. The gross monthly salary will range from 2575 to 2970 euros depending on previous experience.
The Flare Likelihood and Region Eruption Forecasting (FLARECAST) space weather project involves an 8-partner consortium that aims to advance the state-of-the-art in solar flare prediction. The project’s primary objectives are to (1) understand the drivers of flare activity and improve flare prediction, (2) provide a globally accessible flare prediction service that facilitates expansion and (3) engage with space-weather end users and inform policy makers and the public. To do this, FLARECAST will combine key flare-predictive properties of solar active regions with flare prediction algorithms using supervised and unsupervised machine-learning methods and statistical techniques. At the same time, the project will be operating and exploiting its own voluminous data archive through sophisticated data-mining techniques.
The successful applicant is expected to pursue exploratory research related to solar flare/eruption prediction. The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of magneto-hydrodynamics and will have experience in MHD numerical and/or theoretical modeling of solar active events. Experience in observations of solar flares would also be beneficial. As part of its duties, the successful candidate is expected to collaborate with the different FLARECAST team members and participate in sub-teams that are devoted to bringing particular FLARECAST project objectives to fruition.
Applicants should have completed, or expected to have a Ph.D. in astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, applied mathematics or a relevant discipline by the start of the appointment.
Applicants should send a CV (4 pages max., including a statement of research interests), names and contact details of three professional references and a brief cover letter to Dr. Etienne PARIAT (etienne.pariat@obspm.fr). Questions concerning this announcement can be addressed at the later email address. The deadline for applications for this position is September 8th 2015, 12h UT.