The International Meridian Circle Program (IMCP) is an international collaborative scientific initiative aimed at advancing global space science, particularly geospace science and space weather research and forecasting. By utilizing ground-based distributed observation facilities along the Asian-American and European-African sectors of the Meridian Circles, IMCP will establish a collaborative geospace super observatory. The program focuses on addressing a fundamental scientific question: understanding the coupled impacts of solar and terrestrial drivers on the near-Earth space environment.

IMCP will consolidate existing observational capabilities and deploy new instrumentation, bringing together scientific institutions, research organizations, and researchers worldwide to establish a global collaborative framework. Building on the IMCP Geospace Center, which is currently under development, the program will facilitate the establishment of an international organization to promote globally coordinated observations, open data sharing, and cutting-edge research in geospace science.

IMCP invites outstanding scientists and scholars att different career stages to join the Center at the IMCP Headquarters in Beijing and participate in this internationally significant scientific initiative. IMCP provides a unique platform for scientific leadership, career development, and international collaboration.

I. Research Areas

Candidates with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

·Space physics and space weather;

· Solar physics, atmospheric physics, geophysics and related disciplines

· Geospace observation technologies, particularly ground-based observation techniques;

· Data science and modeling

II. Available Positions

1. Lead Expert

Qualifications

Candidates should have internationally recognized achievements and influence in geospace science, particularly in research centered on ground-based observation and science, including the systems science and coupling mechanisms of the solar wind and geospace (magnetosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, and upper atmosphere), the effects of the lower atmosphere and lithosphere processes on near-Earth space as IMCP core scientific directions.

Applicants must possess outstanding professional expertise and a distinguished reputation within the global scientific community. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding capabilities in scientific collaboration, coordination of multinational research activities (ideally involving China), and leadership of international research teams. Experience in organizing and implementing major international scientific programs is highly desirable. The successful candidate is expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters on a long-term basis.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for IMCP international and China-based activities, drive innovative scientific research, promote the global deployment and coordinated operation of observation facilities, facilitate scientific data sharing and exchange, strengthen international exchange programs, and contribute to achieving the overall objectives of IMCP.

2. Domain Experts

Qualifications

Applicants must be a Ph.D. degree holder with ~ 20 years of research experience in the relevant areas. Candidates should have worked as a professor or equivalent-level researcher at internationally recognized universities, research institutions, or scientific organizations, with at least three years of overseas study or professional experience.

Candidates should have achieved first-class scientific results with significant international impact in research or observational fields relevant to IMCP. They should demonstrate the ability to lead scientific innovation and advance IMCP research and observational capabilities.

Research areas include geospace systems science, multi-scale processes, coupling mechanisms, and space weather effects within the broad solar-terrestrial interdisciplinary fields, with expertise in one or more domains such as the solar wind-interplanetary space, magnetosphere-ionosphere-upper atmosphere coupling, atmosphere-lithosphere interactions and their near-Earth space effects. Also desirable are candidates working on ground-based atmospheric/space exploration, with expertise in advanced observation technologies, innovative measurement approaches, and extensive field observation experience. The ideal candidates should have the vision, commitment, and capacity to make sustained contributions to the long-term development of IMCP. Successful candidates are expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters on a long-term basis.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include either (1) leading and conducting fundamental research in solar–terrestrial physics, geospace science, and related fields, while maintaining internationally recognized standards of scientific excellence and delivering impactful scientific discoveries; overseeing the Center’s research programs; or (2) leading the development, deployment, and coordination of domestic and international observational facilities within the IMCP global monitoring network, overseeing the Center’s observational programs, and supporting the establishment of IMCP regional centers.

3. Early Career Scientist

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree with at least 7 years of research experience in the relevant research areas. Candidates should have at least three years of research or academic experience at internationally recognized universities, research institutions, or international research teams.

Candidates should have achieved outstanding research accomplishments in their respective areas. These areas include, but not limited to, geospace science and related disciplines, with particular encouragement for research involving ground-based monitoring networks and coordinated observations.

Applicants should demonstrate independent research capabilities, strong teamwork skills, commitment to academic integrity, and a high level of professionalism.

The multiple openings will match candidates based on experience and background. These positions are most appropriate for early to middle career researchers. Successful candidates are expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters on a long-term basis.

Responsibilities

The candidates will conduct innovative research in solar-terrestrial and geospace science and relevant areas, particularly research enabled by the IMCP global observation network, and maintain high scientific productivity and high academic standards.

Responsibilities also include providing scientific and technical support for observation facilities and coordinated measurements, contributing to data standard development, hosting visiting scholars and guiding postdoctoral researchers.

4. Postdoc Positions

Qualifications

These positions are postdoctoral research appointments. Applicants should have received a Ph.D. within the past three years and, in principle, be under 35 years of age.

Outstanding fresh Ph. D. degree holders are encouraged to apply. Candidates with oversea Ph.D. degrees, postdoctoral research and other international visiting/exchange experience will be given priority. Outstanding international researchers who obtained their Ph.D. degrees are also welcome to apply. Successful candidates are expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters. Upon satisfactory performance evaluation at the end of the initial appointment, they may be offered a renewed appointment or promoted to a long-term Research Scientist position.

Responsibilities

The postdocs will conduct innovative research that addresses the IMCP scientific goals by using IMCP observations, numerical modeling, and other complementary resources. Research topics include but are not limited to the following general directions: geospace systems science, magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling during storms, ionosphere and middle/upper atmosphere coupling under space weather and terrestrial influences, and atmosphere–lithosphere coupling.

Responsibilities include publishing high-quality research papers, participating in IMCP team research projects, supporting the deployment and coordinated operation of monitoring networks, promoting data sharing, and contributing to international scientific collaboration.

III. Support and Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package will be provided.

Qualified candidates will be supported in applying for national and Chinese Academy of Sciences special programs. Successful applicants will receive research funding, living allowances, and corresponding benefits according to relevant policies.

Support will be provided for transitional housing, office and laboratory facilities, and research funding.

IV. Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit application materials to:

Email: hr@nssc.ac.cn

The application package should include:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), including educational background, research experience, and complete publication list;

2. Research interest and plan statement (no more than 2 pages);

3. Two letters of recommendation (required for postdoc applicants; optional for other positions).

Upon receipt of the application, the review process will begin within one month or sooner. Candidates selected for the interview stage will be notified before the final selection is made. The application window remains open till the positions are filled.

V. Contact Information

Contacts: Ms. Zheng, Dr. Ren

Tel: +86-10-62582610

Email: hr@nssc.ac.cn
lwren@spaceweather.ac.cn