Job Details

CIRES/ NOAA SWPC Space Weather Ionosphere/Thermosphere Research Scientist

Position Number: 6648001
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Other Science

CIRES/ NOAA SWPC Space Weather Ionosphere/Thermosphere Research Scientist

Requisition Number: 67888
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 29-Oct-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CU CIRES) invites applications for a Research Scientist position at NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The successful applicant will work to advance SWPC's ability to predict the dynamics and response of the ionosphere and atmosphere to space weather as it pertains to impacts on communication, navigation, and satellite drag applications.

The position will require the ability to develop and improve physical models of the upper atmosphere to advance SWPC's space weather products and services, and to be aware of the ionospheric and thermosphere effects that impact users. The candidate will also be required to understand the needs and requirements for actionable space weather information, and to educate the operational user community about how they are affected by space weather. At the higher level, the position will require managing and coordinating the ionosphere/atmosphere development activities.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

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 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Work within a small dynamic group at SWPC to advance existing models of the ionosphere and atmosphere to predict the effects of space weather on communications, navigation, and satellite drag. (40-50%)
Investigate applications related to ionosphere/atmosphere modeling that could be beneficial to SWPC forecasters and customers. (15%)
Assess and validate models and applications to establish SWPC priorities. (15%)
Create testbed versions of high-priority applications, with appropriate documentation, and within an appropriate software framework, to facilitate a successful transition to real-time space weather forecasting operations. (15%)
Present results and ongoing efforts through internal reports, publications, and presentations at professional meetings and conferences. (5%)
At the higher level, manage and coordinate the activities of the group. (0-10%)

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 or work permit and therefore we are unable to consider applications from individuals on a visa or working permit or requiring visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.
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 selected for this position, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.

What We Can Offer

CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $80,000 - $134,000 for a full-time appointment. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
CIRES and the University of Colorado boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be brilliant. Be successful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A Ph.D. in the physical sciences or engineering.
Experience developing and working with numerical models of the ionosphere and atmosphere.
Experience with data analysis.

What You Will Need

Programming skills in Fortran and Python (or a language similar to Python).
Ability to implement mathematical models and algorithms as computer code/software.
Thorough understanding of the physics and chemistry of the ionosphere and thermosphere.
Knowledge of space weather physical processes, including the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere and the resulting response of the ionosphere and thermosphere.
Skills in analysis and validation of physical models, especially competency and experience comparing physical model simulations with satellite and ground-based data.
Ability to manage and coordinate a small team of scientists, or evidence of such a future ability.
Ability to work in a mission-focused, operational environment and interest in implementing new products that are appropriate to such an environment (e.g., probabilistic, sector-specific, risk-based forecasts and products).
Ability to think critically and make independent decisions.
Ability to work well in a team and to build strong interpersonal relationships which facilitate cross-team knowledge sharing.
Strong communication skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed articles and oral presentations to audiences with widely varying degrees of sophistication and expertise.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A copy of your CV
A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position
Though not required at the time of application, be prepared to submit a list of 5 professional references (2 of whom must be supervisors or professors). If you are selected as a finalist, we will ask you to contact your references so that they can complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online automated reference check solution. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.

This position will close on October 29, 2025.

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

Posting Contact Name: Andrew Marble

Posting Contact Email: andrew.marble@colorado.edu

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-SWPC-Space-Weather-Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Research-Scientist/67888