Operations-to-Research Postdoctoral Associate

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) College of Engineering and Applied Science encourages applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to participate in research activities in the area of Astrodynamics and low-Earth orbit (LEO) Space Environment Observations! The position is currently open and the successful candidate can start as soon as possible.
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 SWx TREC Research Enterprise conducts innovative, basic, and applied research in space domain science (SDS), machine learning, geomagnetically induced electric and magnetic fields, and related topics to better understand and predict space weather phenomena. SWx TREC researchers work across multiple departments, colleges, and institutes at the University of Colorado and collaborate with other universities, government agencies, and industries. These partnerships enable breakthrough advances in understanding the solar and space physics principles that underlie space weather and its impacts on critical infrastructure systems.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

This position is supported by funded research projects in the Space Weather Technology, Research & Education Center (SWx TREC; https://www.colorado.edu/spaceweather/ ), within the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder. These projects focus on astrodynamics and precision orbit determination (POD); GNSS-based satellite-to-satellite tracking; modeling of nonconservative satellite forces; and estimation of space environment conditions in LEO.

This position is nominally for one year with the possibility of continued work contingent on performance and funding availability. The position will be located in the new Aerospace Engineering Sciences building at CU Boulder ( https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/aero-building ). The successful candidate will be given significant mentoring and professional development opportunities that support postdoctoral scholars in pursuit of long-term careers in research, academia, and other fields.

What You Should Know

All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement . New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

The salary range is $50,000 - $80,000 annually.

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 pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Completed Ph.D. degree in Physics, Engineering, or related fields.

What You Will Need

• Experience with astrodynamics, statistical estimation techniques, and GNSS tracking data and methods.
• Proficiency with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab), Linux/Unix shell scripting, high-performance computing.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience with POD processing and analysis codes such as NASA GSFC’s GEODYN.
• Proven understanding of geospace and space weather impacts in the thermosphere and ionosphere.
• Knowledge of additional programming languages (e.g., Fortran, C++).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Letter of Recommendation

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.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu