University of Colorado

Job Summary

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder has an immediate opening for a Research Associate supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). This hire will serve as a scientist on the Space Magnetometer Team within NCEI’s Space Weather Team. The Space Weather Team works to ensure that current and future space weather sensors on NOAA satellites provide effective operational products for use by the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and the broader space weather and scientific community. The successful candidate will be an essential member of a team of scientists, analysts, data managers and software developers dedicated to diverse projects to calibrate, validate, process, disseminate and do research with NOAA’s space weather data. We work on multiple satellite programs including the GOES-R mission series of four spacecraft, and the SWFO-L1 mission that launched in September 2025.

This hire will be involved in projects including on-orbit calibration and validation of satellite magnetometers, development of ground-based data processing algorithms, public data product stewardship, research-to-operations projects, and spacecraft magnetometer instrument science efforts. They will provide solar wind /heliophysics subject matter expertise and are also expected to undertake scientific research, publish results in scientific journals, and apply for grants.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The NCEI Space Weather Team is responsible for oversight of the NOAA space weather sensors on several satellite constellations, including GOES and SWFO. These missions provide data critical for the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) efforts to protect life and property, as well as to the broader operational and scientific communities. The Space Weather Team’s responsibilities include calibration and validation of space weather measurements and data products, development of scientific processing algorithms used in real time to produce data for forecasters, development of retrospective algorithms to create scientifically authoritative (‘best’) products and prototyping real-time processing systems.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• (30%) Develop and implement calibration and validation activities for NOAA's space-based magnetometers and their ground processing algorithms.
• (30%) Determine, implement, and document new algorithms and modifications to existing ground-processing algorithms.
• (10%) Review algorithm, hardware, validation, and operations documentation and participate in NOAA-NASA pre- and post-launch reviews.
• (10%) Serve as a scientific and technical interface to NOAA satellite programs, advocating for the quality of NOAA's space weather data, and ensuring that the magnetometer data meets the needs of NOAA and the broader space science community.
• (10%) Propose and perform independent research.
• (5%) Attend instrument design reviews, observe spacecraft magnetic fields testing, and participate in spacecraft magnetic cleanliness working groups.
• (5%) Present observations and science results from NOAA’s satellite magnetometer instruments at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed publications.

What You Should Know

What You Should Know

• Due to the requirement to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green cards), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylum, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.
• If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

What We Can Offer

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 - $114,000.
• Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• Some relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be Statements

Be driven. Be resourceful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

• Ph.D. in Physical Science, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Experience working with or calibrating space magnetic fields data.
• Experience in scientific research with space magnetic fields data.
• Experience with space-based magnetometers and an understanding of the impacts of spacecraft generated fields.
• Due to the requirement to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green cards), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply to this position.

What You Will Need

What You Will Need

• An understanding of the Earth’s magnetosphere and heliospheric magnetic fields.
• Ability to conduct scientific research in space physics as an individual researcher or as a part of a larger research team.
• Strong scientific algorithm development skills and proficiency in Python.
• Willingness to make short domestic trips to NASA, NOAA, and instrument vendor facilities for technical meetings and/or pre-and post-launch activities.
• Ability to work with multiple organizations in order to meet NOAA’s requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and capacity for working in a team environment.

What We Would Like You to Have

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

• Familiarity with NOAA’s satellite programs.
• Willingness to pursue independent funding for research.
• Experience with Linux/Unix shell.

Special Instructions

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to offer contact information for 3 professional references who can be contacted on your behalf if you are identified as a finalist in this role. At least one of those references will be asked to write a letter of recommendation for you in support of your application.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

Posting to close December 3, 2025.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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