CIRES/ NOAA NCEI Space Weather Scientific Analyst and Programmer

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is encouraging applications for an immediate opening for an Associate Scientist to support work on space weather solar instruments at the NOAA 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).

The selected candidate will work to improve the in-flight calibration and validation of EXIS data and develop reprocessing software for data sets, all in support of NOAA’s space weather forecasting operations and the international scientific community. The selected candidate will join the NCEI Space Weather Team, which 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 the NOAA 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, and research of related scientific topics. This position is located 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

• Analyze solar instrument performance and calibrations.
• Refine software used for reprocessing of space weather satellite data sets using software standard methodologies.
• Develop software tools for data analysis and product generation, including data product visualizations.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and documentation of operational and scientific space weather data products.
• Work with the space weather team to develop new algorithms for real-time operations and calibrations.
• Assist in science research leading to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

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 selected as the 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 $55,000- $90,000.
• Relocation expenses are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.

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 .

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Be balanced. Be dynamic. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, physics, astrophysics, or similar technical field.
• Two years of professional experience in scientific analysis or software development, or equivalent.
• 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.

What You Will Need

• Experience analyzing and calibrating scientific datasets.
• Expertise in scientific code development in Python.
• Experience developing, implementing, and testing scientific algorithms.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Research experience, especially in solar physics or space weather phenomena.
• Experience with the IDL programming language.
• Experience with optical instrument design and calibration.
• Experience developing data pipelines for scientific datasets, especially in Python.
• Experience developing scientific algorithms using solar data analysis tools (e.g., SunPy or SolarSoft IDL).
• Proficiency with version control tools such as git.
• Familiarity with cloud-based applications.
• Experience working on a scientific spacecraft mission.

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 professional references who may be contacted on your behalf. If you are identified as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request one letter of recommendation for your application file at a later time.

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