Senior Scientist - Solar and Inner Heliospheric Physics

Are you searching for important work in Heliospheric Physics and Space Weather?

Are you passionate about space missions?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

The Space Physics Group (SRP) of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) is seeking a Senior Scientist to conduct scientific research on the drivers of space weather, and manage science investigation on ongoing and future design Heliophysics missions.

The APL/SRP has a broad research program that includes data analysis, theory, and modeling of solar and heliospheric phenomena, Sun-Earth connections, and studies of the Earth's magnetosphere and of other planetary magnetospheres. It has significant development programs in space instrumentation and mission design. Currently, SRP scientists participate in leading positions in several active missions such as, Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter, STEREO, SOHO, New Horizons, Geotail, ACE, Voyager 1 and 2, Van Allen Probes, Juno, JUICE, and MMS. Missions under development include IMAP, Dragonfly, and Europa Clipper. SRP is also highly involved in Heliophysics and astrophysics balloon and CubeSat missions. In addition, SRP fosters high-end numerical modeling and theory efforts to advance physical understanding and maximize the science return from new and existing space-physics data sets.

The Senior Scientist will....

• Conduct fundamental research in solar and space weather problems using novel approaches such as ML/AI and cloud computing.
• Assist in managing the STEREO/SECCHI and Solar Orbiter/SoloHI science teams.
• Develop science objectives and requirements for future space instrumentation development programs.
• Work with SES staff to develop novel concepts for future heliophysics mission opportunities.

The successful candidate is expected to devote time to research involving data from the PSP, Solar Orbiter and STEREO missions, presenting and publishing the research findings in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences, and leading and participating in NASA, NSF, NOAA and DoD grant proposals.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• a Ph.D. in physics or a related field.
• in-depth knowledge of plasma physics. Expertise in modeling, data analysis, and/or scientific interpretation of solar and coronal imaging datasets.
• Demonstrated expertise on space weather research and research-to-operations aspects, such as development of empirical models, validation techniques, uncertainty quantification and statistics.
• demonstrated ability to obtain external funding for modeling and/or data analysis projects.
• demonstrated effective communication skills.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Experience in machine learning algorithmsand applications to Heliophysics.
• Python and IDL programming expertise
• Demonstrated effective leadership and management skills.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation's national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL's mission and projects, and .

Why Work at APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.