Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas

Full-time

USD 55k+ / month

Posted on Sep 18, 2026
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Posting Number S07224P
Position Title Research Associate
Functional Title
Department Space Sciences
Salary Range Starting at $55,000 Dependent on Qualifications
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 09/17/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date 12/01/2026
Job Summary
The Space Sciences Department in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is seeking to fill three postdoctoral researcher positions affiliated with UTD’s W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences.

The successful candidate will support ongoing research on the structure and dynamics of planetary magnetotails, with a focus on particle dynamics, acceleration, and precipitation associated with magnetotail processes. The incumbent shall analyze low-altitude spacecraft and ground-based observations to investigate the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the Earth’s magnetotail, in conjunction with in-situ measurements from near-equatorial spacecraft. The research will also include comparative investigations of magnetotails at different planetary environments and theoretical investigations of charged particle dynamics and acceleration in planetary magnetotails.
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience
It is highly preferred that the candidate holds a Ph.D. in space physics or a closely related field.
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Specific duties include:
    • Develop comprehensive datasets of magnetotail structure and dynamics using low-altitude spacecraft observations from ELFIN, CIRBE, and REAL, complemented by ground-based observations from riometers and all-sky imagers (ASI).
    • Investigate the structure, evolution, and dynamics of magnetotail current sheets using in-situ measurements from the MMS, THEMIS, and ARTEMIS missions, including characterization of current-sheet thickness, magnetic-field structure, particle distributions, and associated transient processes.
    • Establish conjunction datasets linking low-altitude observations of energetic particles and precipitation with near-equatorial measurements of magnetotail plasma, magnetic fields, and waves from MMS, THEMIS, and ARTEMIS, and investigate how magnetotail processes are reflected in low-altitude and ground-based observations.
    • Perform comparative investigations of planetary magnetotails using observations from missions including MAVEN, ESCAPADE, Juno, MESSENGER, and BepiColombo, identifying similarities and differences in magnetotail structure, current sheets, particle dynamics, and acceleration across different planetary environments.
    • Develop theoretical and numerical models of charged-particle dynamics and acceleration in planetary magnetotails, including particle energization, transport, trapping, scattering, and precipitation associated with magnetic reconnection, current-sheet dynamics, plasma waves, and other magnetotail processes. Compare theoretical predictions with spacecraft and low-altitude observations.
    • Investigate energetic particle precipitation associated with magnetotail dynamics and quantify its effects on the ionosphere, including ionospheric heating, electrodynamic responses, and changes in ionospheric dynamics. Use observations from low-altitude spacecraft and ground-based facilities, including riometers and ASIs, to characterize and validate these effects.
    • Contribute to the preparation of conference and workshop presentations, as well as peer-reviewed journal publications.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Work is to be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Xiao-Jia Zhang (please refer to https://profiles.utdallas.edu/index.php/xjzhang for additional information on the scope of research in Dr. Zhang’s group).

Work is conducted on-site and in-person.
Special Instructions Summary
Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Xiao-Jia Zhang (xjzhang@utdallas.edu).
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
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