Assistant Researcher

~ The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the University of Hawai?i (UH) is heavily involved in experimental, observational, data analysis and modeling investigations of the magnetized solar atmosphere of the Sun, starting from the solar surface and expanding outwards to form the corona and the solar wind. ~

Members of the solar group consist of three tenured faculty, one tenure-track junior faculty, and a research scientist. By capitalizing on their unique expertise, they are engaged in exploring the different facets of solar magnetism, and its role in the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. With the expected first light of the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) in 2020, and with the two first light instruments being designed and built by two members of the group, the IfA solar group is in a strong position to achieve excellence. Furthermore, IfA scientists have guaranteed observing time on DKIST.

The IfA Solar group also maintains a close collaboration with the NSO Maui Solar Group. It is within this environment that this group is seeking to expand its diversity and synergy by complementing their strength with a junior faculty appointment. 

Position Overview

The IfA is pleased to announce the availability of a tenure-track faculty position in Solar Physics, at the Assistant level. Candidates in all specialties are encouraged to apply. However, preference will be given to candidates with expertise in theory/modeling to complement the IfA solar group's current expertise. The position will be initially funded by a grant from the NSF Faculty Development in the Space Sciences (FFDSS) Program. This faculty position will be located at the IfA-Manoa site in Honolulu, Hawaii. The anticipated start date is January 2020. 

Although the IfA operates its astronomical research facilities on three different islands (Oahu, Maui and Hawai'i), these are tightly integrated into an efficient and broad astrophysics program. The immediate proximity of graduate students, a diverse astrophysical research facility, and the observatories (even on different islands) are invaluable resources for all IfA scientists, postdocs and students. 

Our program, which focuses on a critical-mass faculty and a recently growing number of graduate and undergraduate students engaged in solar research, is designed to have a broad educational impact as we develop a premier center for solar and space physics education in the US. UH is a minority serving higher education institution. Our proposed program will have a significant impact on UH's undergraduate as well as graduate programs.

The engagement of solar faculty in the undergraduate program gives them direct access to a highly diverse group of students, with significant representation from minorities and under-represented groups. Direct involvement with the IfA's graduate program, together with plans for a new graduate course in solar and heliospheric physics, solar faculty can engage graduates in the different aspects of solar research, ranging from instrumentation, to DKIST, data analysis and modeling. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Primarily of leading a novel research program in solar physics research, preferably in theory and modeling. 
• Teaching at least one graduate or undergraduate course per year. 
• Participating in the academic and scientific life of the IfA. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Space Physics and/or Astrophysics, or closely related areas. 
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience related to Solar and Space Physics. 
• Successful research experience as demonstrated by accomplishments, publications, and letters of recommendation. 
• Ability to lead and support a research program involving students and postdocs. 
• Ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Compensation: R3M11, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Inquires: Please email Shadia Habbal at habbal@hawaii.edu with any questions. Note that letters of recommendation should be uploaded to the aforementioned web address. 

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