NRL Space-Plasma Physics
NRL's space-plasma program studies solar-system plasma phenomena, aiming to predict extreme geomagnetic storms 24-48 hours in advance using theory, simulations, and data.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next Deadline)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $99,200/year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research on linear and nonlinear solar-system plasma phenomena, aiming to develop predictive algorithms for extreme geomagnetic storms 24-48 hours in advance.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a recent doctoral degree; requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on advanced research in space-plasma physics, specifically studying linear and nonlinear phenomena in solar-system plasma environments. Research areas include:
- Physics of solar eruptive phenomena
- Heliospheric processes
- Large-scale simulations of the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system
- Plasma instabilities and anomalous transport in magnetospheric and ionospheric plasmas
- Particle acceleration processes
- Magnetic reconnection
- Active experimentation in space
- Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in space plasmas
A key technical goal is to develop a physics-based algorithm capable of accurately forecasting the onset time, severity, and duration of rare but extreme geomagnetic storms 24 to 48 hours before they occur. The research combines theoretical work, numerical simulations, and data interpretation to model the dynamics of geomagnetic fields and ionospheric plasmas in three dimensions.
This program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral researchers with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, gain mentorship, and access state-of-the-art facilities.
