CIRES/NOAA NCEI Solar Physics Research Scientist (Research Associate)

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Research Scientist in solar physics working with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). The position focuses on work related to the solar irradiance monitors on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites Series-R (GOES-R). The GOES-R spacecraft each contain a suite of space weather sensors, including the Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS). The EXIS instrument measures the X-ray solar irradiance which provides the historical solar flare classifications with the X-ray Sensor (XRS), and measures extreme ultraviolet irradiance with the Extreme Ultraviolet Sensor (EUVS). As a part of the NCEI EXIS instrument team, the selected candidate will work to improve the in-flight calibration and validation of XRS and EUVS data, develop data tools and products for X-ray and ultraviolet time series datasets hosted at NCEI, and apply XRS and EUVS data to scientific research, all in support of NOAA’s space weather forecasting operations and the scientific community.

The successful applicant will join the Space Weather Team within NCEI. The Space Weather Team is responsible for oversight of the NOAA space weather sensors on several satellite constellations, including GOES, DSCOVR, and SWFO. These missions provide data critical for forecasting by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, as well as for broader scientific efforts. The Space Weather Team’s responsibilities include calibration and validation of space weather measurements and data products, development of algorithms for both real-time data for forecasters and retroactive science-quality data, and the associated processing systems. The ideal applicant for this position will possess excellent scientific and programming skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. This position is located within NCEI at the NOAA David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, CO.
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

At CIRES, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, more than 800 environmental scientists work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership of NOAA and the University of Colorado Boulder, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at the Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, and solid Earth sciences. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

https://cires.colorado.edu/

National Centers for Environmental Information website:

https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develop and improve calibration methods for the EXIS instruments in collaboration with the instrument vendor.
• Analyze intercalibrations between solar instruments to validate data, find and resolve anomalies, and enhance data quality.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of operational and scientific space weather products.
• Work with the space weather team to research and develop new methods for real-time operations.
• Conduct related science research leading to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

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 asylee, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.
• 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. If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.

What We Can Offer

• We can offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on CIRES internal career track classification.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $60,000- $95,000.
• Relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• 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.

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 Ambitious. Be Impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in physics or similar scientific or engineering field with an emphasis on solar physics, space physics, or atmospheric science.
• 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.
• You will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process.

What You Will Need

• Research experience in solar physics or space weather phenomena.
• Experience analyzing and calibrating science datasets.
• Expertise in scientific code development in languages including Python and IDL.
• Experience developing scientific algorithms using solar data analysis tools (e.g., SunPy or SolarSoft IDL).
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience with optical instrument design especially for space research.
• Experience developing or maintaining scientific data calibration or analysis pipelines, especially in Python.
• Familiarity with solar data product design and usability standard methodologies.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Familiarity with data processing and storage for cloud-based applications.
• Familiarity with space weather drivers, effects, and forecasting strategies.
• Experience working on science spacecraft mission development and pre/post-launch tests.

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. List of contact information for 3 references who may be contacted on your behalf. You don’t need to include letters of recommendation with your application. If you are selected as a finalist for this role, we will also use Skillsurvey to check references. SkillSurvey is an online automated reference check solution. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.

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 as an optional attachment.

The position will be open until filled. Applications will be screened as they are received.

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: Janet Machol

Posting Contact Email: janet.machol@noaa.gov