Alan Henry Post Doctoral Fellow - Lightning Electromagnetics and Atmospheric Electricity

The Florida Institute of Technology invites applications for the Alan Henry Postdoctoral Fellow position in lightning physics, atmospheric electricity, and near-space electrodynamics. The successful candidate will join an active interdisciplinary research program focused on lightning electromagnetics, atmosphere-ionosphere coupling, high-energy atmospheric phenomena, advanced sensing systems, and impacts on the geospace environment. The position involves both fundamental and applied research using field experiments, electromagnetic instrumentation, numerical modeling, and large-scale data analysis in collaboration with national laboratories and government agencies. The Alan Henry Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct fundamental and applied research in lightning electromagnetics, atmospheric electricity, atmosphere-ionosphere coupling, and impacts on the near-space environment. The successful candidate will have prior research experience in relevant areas which may include discharge physics, lightning electromagnetic pulses, broadband electromagnetic radiation measurements, high-energy atmospheric phenomena, and ionospheric effects of lightning. This position integrates physical theory, electromagnetic measurement systems, instrumentation development, field experiments, and advanced data analysis and modeling.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in lightning and atmospheric electricity, including analysis of electromagnetic, optical, and/or energetic radiation measurements.
• Develop, test, and deploy electromagnetic instrumentation systems for field and laboratory experiments.
• Lead and participate in field campaigns, including instrument installation, calibration, data acquisition, and troubleshooting.
• Perform advanced data analysis and modeling using numerical, statistical, and computational methods.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Assist in preparation of research proposals and technical reports to sponsoring agencies (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD).
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research activities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with electromagnetic measurement systems (VLF/LF/VHF/UHF).
• Instrumentation design and development.
• Field experiment planning and execution.
• Signal processing and time-series analysis.
• Numerical modeling and simulation.
• Programming proficiency (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar).
• Experience with large datasets and scientific computing.
• Familiarity with high-energy atmospheric physics (preferred).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Space Physics, or closely related fields.
• Valid driver's license required for field operations.
• Ability to obtain institutional field safety clearance.
• Electrical safety training preferred.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Hamid Rassoul (rassoul@fit.edu) and/or Dr. Amitabh Nag (anag@fit.edu) with any additional questions regarding the position or ongoing research activities. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references as a single combined PDF file through the Florida Tech HR website ( FIT Careers ), preferably before June 15, 2026. The anticipated start date for the position is July 15, 2026. Equal Opportunity Florida Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Florida Tech does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy may be directed to the Equal Opportunity Director and Investigator at 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, or email equalopp@fit.edu, or +1 321-674-7153; or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Americans with Disabilities Act Please notify us at least five days in advance if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed by calling the Office of Human Resources at 321-674-8100. Annual Security & Fire Safety Report The federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities, both public and private, participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus safety information, and imposes certain basic requirements for handling incidents of sexual violence and emergency situations. Florida Tech's 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Florida Tech; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The numbers provided include crime statistics that were reported to local law enforcement agencies, campus security and other Campus Security Authorities. The report also includes institutional policy statements regarding campus safety and security measures; descriptions of prevention and awareness programs; related university procedures and important guidance; and other essential safety information. You can obtain a printed copy of this report at the Department of Security Welcome Center located at 3126 Panther Place, during normal business hours, or by accessing the following website 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Official Transcripts Official transcripts of all collegiate work must be sent directly from the attended institution to the Office of Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. All international degrees must have a course-by-course official evaluation and translation sent to the Human Resources Office directly from an evaluation company affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). We are an E-verify employer The premier private technological university in the Southeast, Florida Tech is a Tier 1 Best National University (U.S. News & World Report) and a Top Technical Institute (Fiske Guide to Colleges), as well as a Best Value University (Forbes) and a top 100 global university for graduate employability (GEURS). Florida Tech is known worldwide for its strengths in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, aviation, autism treatment, biomedical science, cybersecurity and machine-learning, and marine science. It offers more than 150 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computing, aeronautics, business, psychology and the liberal arts. The university is located in the dynamic and innovative city of Melbourne in the heart of the "Space Coast," where students have been watching rocket launches from campus since the dawn of the Space Race. Learn how Florida Tech is making history and shaping the future at floridatech.edu. Find stories about our relentless pursuit of greatness at floridatech.edu/news.