About the role
Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology is recruiting for a Post Doctoral Researcher.
This is a term position ending in September 2026.
The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) is committed to fostering a meaningful and inclusive learning experience through excellence in teaching and scholarly activities. Our students, whether enrolled in programs or taking individual courses in science, computing science or architecture to fulfill other areas of study, are diverse in their demographic and geographical location.
In the realization of the themes of accessibility, opportunity, and community, we aim to change lives and communities from local to global like no other university. In an increasingly complex world, our flexible model enables learners to obtain the necessary skills for future employment while developing their ability to be resilient, think creatively, and work collaboratively as global citizens.
Our faculty is home to emerging research, innovative courses, responsive student support, recognized programs, and community outreach. Please visit our website for more information: Faculty of Science and Technology.
The Position:
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to an increased understanding of space weather hazards in Canada. There are various potential projects the researcher could work on, depending on their background, expertise and interests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and improve methods of geoelectric field estimation using physics-based models which incorporate 3-D conductivity and realistic ionospheric sources.
- Use models and existing ground and satellite-based datasets to understand ionospheric sources and broader space weather conditions that generate anomalously large geoelectric fields
- Develop machine learning techniques to estimate near-real time geoelectric fields using existing geoelectric and geomagnetic datasets as training datasets
- Collect and model long-period array MT data in Canada for space weather applications. Potential fieldwork in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.
- Collaborate with power industry to develop GIC models which incorporate AC components to understand conditions for faults and/or cascading failures
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to pursue peer-reviewed publications and present their work at major scientific venues in the domains of space weather and electromagnetic geophysics. The fellow will be encouraged to pursue additional funding through Canadian and international opportunities. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to facilities at the Athabasca University Geophysical Observatory, located 1.5 hours north of Edmonton, AB.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Space Physics or related field
- Experience analyzing magnetotelluric data, geomagnetic data, and/or geoelectric data an asset.
In line with the new AU strategic plan Like No Other and other university plans, including the Nukskahtowinplan, the FST is committed to interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and engaged citizenship. Evidence of teaching excellence is required, and familiarity with open and online education is encouraged. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and student success. All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.
How to Apply:
Applicants are asked to submit an application package through the application portal consisting of:
- A letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information of tworeferences
Contact Information:
For more information regarding the role, please contact Dr. Darcy Cordell, Assistant Professor, Centre for Science at dcordell@athabascau.ca
About Athabasca University
Athabasca University, Canada's Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide.
Please keep conversations constructive and respectful and follow our community guidelines. https://news.athabascau.ca/get-social
About the role
Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology is recruiting for a Post Doctoral Researcher.
This is a term position ending in September 2026.
The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) is committed to fostering a meaningful and inclusive learning experience through excellence in teaching and scholarly activities. Our students, whether enrolled in programs or taking individual courses in science, computing science or architecture to fulfill other areas of study, are diverse in their demographic and geographical location.
In the realization of the themes of accessibility, opportunity, and community, we aim to change lives and communities from local to global like no other university. In an increasingly complex world, our flexible model enables learners to obtain the necessary skills for future employment while developing their ability to be resilient, think creatively, and work collaboratively as global citizens.
Our faculty is home to emerging research, innovative courses, responsive student support, recognized programs, and community outreach. Please visit our website for more information: Faculty of Science and Technology.
The Position:
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to an increased understanding of space weather hazards in Canada. There are various potential projects the researcher could work on, depending on their background, expertise and interests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and improve methods of geoelectric field estimation using physics-based models which incorporate 3-D conductivity and realistic ionospheric sources.
- Use models and existing ground and satellite-based datasets to understand ionospheric sources and broader space weather conditions that generate anomalously large geoelectric fields
- Develop machine learning techniques to estimate near-real time geoelectric fields using existing geoelectric and geomagnetic datasets as training datasets
- Collect and model long-period array MT data in Canada for space weather applications. Potential fieldwork in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.
- Collaborate with power industry to develop GIC models which incorporate AC components to understand conditions for faults and/or cascading failures
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to pursue peer-reviewed publications and present their work at major scientific venues in the domains of space weather and electromagnetic geophysics. The fellow will be encouraged to pursue additional funding through Canadian and international opportunities. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to facilities at the Athabasca University Geophysical Observatory, located 1.5 hours north of Edmonton, AB.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Space Physics or related field
- Experience analyzing magnetotelluric data, geomagnetic data, and/or geoelectric data an asset.
In line with the new AU strategic plan Like No Other and other university plans, including the Nukskahtowinplan, the FST is committed to interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and engaged citizenship. Evidence of teaching excellence is required, and familiarity with open and online education is encouraged. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and student success. All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.
How to Apply:
Applicants are asked to submit an application package through the application portal consisting of:
- A letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information of tworeferences
Contact Information:
For more information regarding the role, please contact Dr. Darcy Cordell, Assistant Professor, Centre for Science at dcordell@athabascau.ca
About Athabasca University
Athabasca University, Canada's Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide.
Please keep conversations constructive and respectful and follow our community guidelines. https://news.athabascau.ca/get-social