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CIRES/ NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Solar Energetic Particles Associate Scientist

Employer
University of Colorado Boulder
Location
Colorado, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jun 22, 2022


Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences invites applications for a Associate Scientist position at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The successful applicant will work to improve SWPC solar radiation storm products and services for forecasters and customers in the commercial aviation, human space exploration and satellite industries.

The primary responsibilities will include the validation and operationalization of solar energetic particle and aviation radiation models and applications for the benefit of forecasters and customers. This applied research position will involve energetic particle observations from a variety of data sources as well as physics-based and empirical models. The successful applicant will work closely with the space weather testbed to transition proven capabilities into real-time operations.

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 Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (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 800 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES is a partnership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Colorado Boulder, 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.

As part of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) operates 24/7 to provide real-time monitoring and forecasting of solar and geophysical events, which impact satellites, power grids, communications, navigation, and other technological systems. SWPC customers include the general public, industry and government agencies.

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • Improving SWPC’s existing suite of solar energetic particle and aviation radiation applications, through the incorporation of new data and modeling techniques.
  • Assessing and validating models and applications that could be beneficial to SWPC forecasters and/or customers in conjunction with interagency partners, academia and industry.
  • Implementing high-priority capabilities in the space weather testbed, with appropriate documentation and software framework, to facilitate a successful transition to real-time space weather forecast operations.
What You Should Know
  • Access to the NOAA Federal Center and computer facilities is necessary to perform the work of this position. Access is not available for individuals working in the United States through a visa and therefore we are unable to consider applications from individuals on a visa or requiring visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
  • The annual hiring salary range for this position is $55,000 - $74,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
  • Relocation funds 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 groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require
  • Bachelor’s degree required (Physics or Engineering fields preferred; other related fields may be considered).
  • Candidates must successfully complete the required federal clearance process.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
  • Access to the NOAA Federal Center and computer facilities is necessary to perform the work of this position. Access is not available for individuals working in the United States through a visa and therefore we are unable to consider applications from individuals on a visa or requiring visa sponsorship for this position.
What You Will Need
  • Knowledge of Heliophysics, space weather and/or similar fields.
  • Data analysis and programming skills in Python, IDL, Fortran or similar languages.
  • Ability to implement mathematical models and algorithms as computer programs.
  • Ability to work in a mission-focused, operational environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team and to build strong interpersonal relationships which facilitate cross-team knowledge sharing.
What We Would Like You To Have

Please note that while the position details the requirements in the What We Require section and "what you will need" sections, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all the skills and experience from the "what we would like you to have" section to be considered for this position. If you meet the requirements, 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 solar energetic particle data and models.
  • Familiarity with dynamics of charged particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere and geomagnetic cutoffs.
  • Ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce at the University of Colorado Boulder and NOAA/SWPC.
  • Knowledge and/or experience in modern software management paradigms and tools (e.g. git, bitbucket, etc.).
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. Be prepared to submit a list of 5 professional references. If you are selected as a finalist, we will contact you through email for your references (2 of whom must be/must have been supervisors) to complete a SkillSurvey on your behalf. 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 (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

Please apply by 6/24/22 for considerartion.

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: Hazel Bain

Posting Contact Email: hazeil.bain@noaa.gov


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