Space Plasma Research Associate

Job Summary

The Space Plasma Group at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, Boulder (CU) encourages applications for multiple open positions for research scientists in Space Physics. Applicants at the level of RS-1 (post-doctoral), RS-II (research scientist), or RS-III (senior research scientist) will be considered. Possible research projects include:

1. Data analysis of Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and accompanying modeling efforts to study magnetic reconnection, turbulence, acceleration, shocks, and/or other kinetic plasma processes,
2. Application of Machine Learning to space weather, especially Earth’s radiation belt and ionospheric phenomena,
3. Analysis of Parker Solar Probe data to study near-Sun solar wind plasma and field phenomena, and
4. Mars data analysis with a key interest in the Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) data from the MAVEN mission.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) began in 1948, a decade before NASA. We are the world’s only research institute to have sent instruments to all eight planets and Pluto. LASP is associated with several departments at the University of Colorado including Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Geology, and Atmospheric Science. LASP is a research laboratory that is fully equipped for space-flight instrumentation with a qualified engineering staff, clean rooms, vacuum chambers, and testing facilities.

The CU/LASP Space Plasma Group conducts a diverse research program encompassing instrumentation, data analysis, simulation, theoretical studies, and machine learning applications of space plasma physics in a variety of environments, including planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres as well as the solar wind.

What We Can Offer

The approved salary ranges are RS I $70,000 - $80,000, RS II $75,000 - $110,000, RS III $95,000 - $200,000, all levels are relocation eligible.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements
Be curious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. in Physics or similar Scientific or Engineering field.

What We Would Like You To Have

Depending on the science topic, demonstration of skills in data analysis of particle and field observations, MHD/PIC simulation, or machine learning is highly desirable.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter: indicate your research interests, and how you could enhance and benefit the research projects listed in the Job Summary.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit an application before January 31, 2021.

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three references and we will request letters of recommendation and additional materials if needed, as the search progresses

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

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Xiangning Chu

Posting Contact Email: Xiangning.chu@lasp.colorado.edu