Summary of Position:

The Physics Department in the College of Science, at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher Associate in Space Physics. The successful candidate will contribute to projects investigating ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances due to forcing from above and below. Research topics include storm-time ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances, as well as upper atmospheric perturbations due to waving forcing from below. Primary responsibilities include running three-dimensional general circulation model, analyzing ground-based and satellite measurements, and conducting data-model comparisons.

The Physics Department of the College of Science at the University of Texas at Arlington, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher Associate.

This position is expected to start June 1, 2026.

In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

About the Department and College:

The Physics Department is comprehensive and provides students with a wide choice of research topics from the major areas of current physics research, including internationally recognized research in nanomaterials, particle physics, astrophysics, and space physics.

The College of Science offers world-class educational and research opportunities with small class sizes and outstanding faculty mentorship.

About the University:

  The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

Benefits at UTA  

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.

To help applicants understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits as a UTA employee, please click on the following link:

https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct original research independently and collaboratively.
2. Collaborate closely with members of the Space Physics group at UTA, actively contributing to ongoing projects.
3. Present research findings at professional conferences and publish results on peer-reviewed journals.
4. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, providing support and guidance in their research activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates should hold a recent Ph.D. in physics, space physics, plasma physics, or a related field.
• Strong preference will be given to applicants with experience in running Ionosphere and Thermosphere models, analyzing simulation results, and performing data-model comparisons.
• Experience in analyzing satellite and ground observations.

To apply, applicants should go to https://apply.interfolio.com/183883 and submit the following materials:  

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae  
•  Cover Letter  
• Contact References (provide one document with three contacts who may serve as recommenders).
• Statement of Research Interest

Optional Documents:

• Copy of Ph.D. Degree Certificate
• Unofficial Transcripts

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration.

Questions may be addressed to Search Committee Cheng Sheng at [email protected].

For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta. 

Background Check Requirement:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.