The International Meridian Circle Program (IMCP) is an international collaborative scientific initiative dedicated to advancing global space science, with a particular focus on geospace science and space weather research and forecasting. By leveraging distributed ground-based observation facilities across the Asian–American and European–African sectors of the Meridian Circles, IMCP aims to establish a collaborative geospace super observatory. The program addresses a fundamental scientific question: how solar and terrestrial processes interact and jointly shape the near-Earth space environment.

IMCP will integrate existing observational capabilities, develop new instruments and technologies, and bring together leading scientific institutions, research organizations, and researchers worldwide to establish a global collaborative research network. Building upon the IMCP Geospace Center currently under development, the program will support the creation of an international organization dedicated to coordinated observations, open data sharing, and frontier research in geospace science.

IMCP invites outstanding scientists and scholars at different career stages to join the IMCP Headquarters in Beijing and contribute to this internationally significant scientific initiative. The program provides a unique platform for scientific leadership, career development, and global 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 should hold a Ph.D. degree and have approximately 20 years of research experience in relevant fields. Candidates should currently hold, or have held, positions equivalent to professor or senior researcher at internationally recognized universities, research institutions, or scientific organizations, with at least three years of overseas academic or professional experience.

Applicants should have made significant scientific contributions with international impact in research or observational fields relevant to IMCP. They should demonstrate the ability to lead scientific innovation and advance research capabilities and observational technologies.

Research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Geospace system science, multi-scale processes, and coupling mechanisms;
• Solar wind and interplanetary space processes;
• Magnetosphere–ionosphere–upper atmosphere interactions;
• Atmosphere–lithosphere coupling and its impacts on near-Earth space;
• Ground-based atmospheric and space observations, advanced observation technologies, innovative measurement approaches, and field observation campaigns.

Ideal candidates should possess a long-term vision, strong commitment, and the ability to make sustained contributions to the development of IMCP. The successful candidates are expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters on a long-term basis.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities may include:

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;

2. Leading the development, deployment, and coordination of domestic and international observational facilities within the IMCP global monitoring network;

3. 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 seven years of research experience in the relevant research fields. Candidates should have research or academic experience at internationally recognized universities, research institutions, or international research teams for at least three years.

Applicants should have demonstrated outstanding research achievements and independent research capabilities in geospace science or related disciplines. Candidates conducting research involving ground-based monitoring networks and coordinated observations are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should demonstrate strong teamwork skills, academic integrity, and professional commitment.

Multiple positions are available, and candidates will be considered based on their research background and experience. 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 include:

• Publishing high-quality research papers and contributing to internationally recognized scientific achievements;
• Participating in IMCP research projects and collaborative activities;
• Providing scientific and technical support for observation facilities and coordinated measurements;
• Contributing to data standards development, hosting visiting scholars, and mentoring postdoctoral researchers.

4. Postdoc Positions

Qualifications

These positions are intended for postdoctoral researchers. Applicants should have obtained a Ph.D. degree within the past three years and, in principle, be under 35 years of age.

Outstanding recent Ph.D. graduates are encouraged to apply. Candidates with overseas Ph.D. degrees, postdoctoral experience, or international research and exchange experience will be given priority. Outstanding international researchers are also welcome to apply. Successful candidates are expected to work at the IMCP Headquarters. Following satisfactory performance evaluation, candidates may be eligible for contract renewal or transition to long-term Research Scientist positions.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral researchers will conduct innovative research addressing IMCP’s scientific objectives by utilizing IMCP observations, numerical modeling, and other complementary resources.

Research topics include, but are not limited to:

• Geospace system science;
• Magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling during geomagnetic storms;
• Ionosphere and middle/upper atmosphere responses to space weather and terrestrial influences;
• Atmosphere–lithosphere coupling processes.

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

III. Support and Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package will be provided.

Qualified candidates will be supported in applying for national and the 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 a complete list of publications;

2. A statement of research interests and future plans (maximum two pages);

3. Two letters of recommendation (required for postdoctoral applicants and 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