Research Associate – 3D Solar Dynamo Modeling

Clarkson University David D. Reh School of Business

. Develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timePotsdam • New York • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $34,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing and validating complex numerical models for solar dynamo simulations, with strong capabilities in scientific programming and data analysis. Proficient in high-performance computing and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Mechanical EngineeringNumerical MethodsScientific Programming In C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLABMagnetohydrodynamicsHigh-Performance Computing

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Numerical ModelingData AnalysisSimulation DevelopmentGPU ComputingHigh-Order Numerical MethodsPartial Differential EquationsQuantitative DiagnosticsVisualization ToolsReproducible WorkflowsMagnetic-Induction Equation

Soft Skills

Scientific CommunicationCollaborationResearch IntegrityIndependent ResearchDocumentation

Industry Keywords

Solar PhysicsAstrophysicsComputational ScienceBabcock–Leighton ModelFlux-Transport ModelingSpherical Computational DomainsMagnetic DiffusionSolar-Cycle DiagnosticsResearch CoordinationBackground Check Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

FluxPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and validate a 3D global kinematic Babcock–Leighton solar dynamo model
Solve the magnetic-induction equation using prescribed three-dimensional velocity fields
Develop and evaluate Babcock–Leighton poloidal-field source representations
Implement high-order numerical methods for magnetic-field evolution, magnetic diffusion, and solenoidal constraint control
Conduct multi-cycle simulations of toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields
Analyze butterfly diagrams, surface radial magnetic fields, polarity-inversion patterns, polar-field buildup and reversal, and solar-cycle diagnostics
Investigate sensitivity to differential rotation, meridional circulation, magnetic diffusivity, source parameters, and initial magnetic fields
Incorporate observationally reconstructed solar flows and magnetic-field information
Develop GPU-accelerated capabilities for large-scale 3D simulations
Prepare simulation datasets, visualization tools, quantitative diagnostics, and reproducible workflows
Guide undergraduate and graduate researchers
Coordinate research with Professor Liang and project collaborators
Maintain research code, simulation data, documentation, and computational workflows
Contribute to reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and project deliverables
Collaborate with researchers in solar physics, computational science, and related disciplines
Participate in meetings, seminars, conferences, and other scholarly activities
Comply with university policies and sponsor requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science/computer engineering, computational science, or a closely related discipline
Strong background in numerical methods and scientific computing
Demonstrated experience in scientific programming and computational research
Ability to develop, verify, and analyze numerical models for partial differential equations and large-scale simulations
Experience with scientific programming in C/C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran, MATLAB, or comparable environments
Knowledge of magnetohydrodynamics, solar or stellar dynamo theory, Babcock–Leighton or flux-transport modeling, high-order methods, spherical computational domains, or GPU computing
Strong quantitative data-analysis and visualization skills
Strong scientific communication skills, including manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings
Ability to conduct independent research while collaborating effectively with faculty, students, and external research partners
Ability to maintain clear documentation, reproducible code, and organized research data
Commitment to research integrity and responsible scientific practice
Preferred: experience in high-performance computing, large-scale numerical simulation codes, and relevant programming environments
Must successfully pass a background check
Visa sponsorship is not eligible

Benefits

Comp & perks

Six-month postdoctoral research appointment
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Professional development in solar dynamo theory, high-performance computing, and numerical methods
Participation in research meetings, seminars, conferences, and collaborative activities