Postdoctoral Fellow - Plasma Physics at University of Otago

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Jan, 26

Salary

92350.0

Posted On

31 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Plasma Physics, Theoretical Research, Numerical Simulations, Turbulence, Magnetised Plasma, Helicity Barrier, Data Analysis, Interpersonal Communication

Industry

Research Services

Description

__________ DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS | TE TARI HŪ-O-TE-KŌHAO DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA About our team | Mō te tīma The Physics Department at the University of Otago was the first Physics Department established in New Zealand, and physics was a foundation discipline when the University opened in 1871. Today, the Department embraces innovative teaching methods, promotes a vigorous research ethos, and is committed both to Physics as a discipline and to its applications. Our key objectives are to provide students with the highest quality education, and to produce research of international excellence. The role | Te mahi We are looking for a post-doctoral scholar to assist in theoretical research to understand the dynamics of solar coronal heating through turbulence. The overarching goal of the project is to better understand the promise of the recently discovered ‘helicity barrier’ mechanism in explaining coronal heating through turbulence. The research will involve developing, running, and analysing numerical simulations of strongly magnetised plasma turbulence with a helicity barrier, as well as the development of theories and phenomenologies that provide frameworks for understanding numerical results. Other possible research avenues include extensions to understand the relevance of the helicity barrier in other plasma contexts (e.g. experiments), the development of reduced models for simulating kinetic turbulence, and analysis of in-situ data from spacecraft. Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako Applicants should have a doctorate in plasma physics or a related discipline, with demonstrated strengths in theory and computation. Successful candidates will be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal communication skills. Further details | Pūroko This is a full-time (1 FTE), fixed-term position until 31 August 2027, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow is $92,350 per annum. The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected. Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Jonathan Squire, Department of Physics via the contact details below. Application | Tono Candidates are requested to submit the following: • A CV • A Cover Letter • Names and email addresses of at least three referees To submit your application please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2501574 will close on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Additional Information Contact: Dr Jonathan Squire Position details: Information Statement Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines Further Information: Department Website Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email Location: About Dunedin

Responsibilities

Assist in theoretical research to understand solar coronal heating through turbulence. Develop, run, and analyze numerical simulations of strongly magnetized plasma turbulence.