Job Details

Mission Operations and Data Systems Researcher

Position Number: 6924928
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Astronomy and Astrophysics

Mission Operations and Data Systems Researcher

Requisition Number: 70012
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 16-Feb-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

This researcher appointment provides part-time advisory and knowledge-transfer support to LASP's Mission Operations and Data Systems (MODS) division. The role is intended to leverage specialized expertise, institutional knowledge, and historical context held by a former employee to support internal planning, documentation, and strategic activities within MODS. Work is limited in scope and intensity and does not include day-to-day operational responsibilities or project ownership.
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

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Provide advisory input and knowledge transfer related to mission operations, operations software, and MODS organizational processes.
Contribute historical context, lessons learned, and specialized expertise to support planning and strategic discussions.
Assist with framing, synthesizing, and documenting technical or organizational concepts for internal use.
Prepare documentation or other materials to support internal leadership review and decision-making.
Support preservation and organization of institutional knowledge for use by active staff.
Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

Flexible remote/on-site work schedule is possible.
Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals may apply.

What We Can Offer

$105.55 per hour.

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 ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

BS/BA in a physical or computer science or related field.
15+ years of related work experience.
5+ years of management experience.
Experience leading and managing software teams.

What You Will Need

Prior employment within LASP and MODS, with demonstrated familiarity with mission operations, operations software, and associated organizational processes.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex technical or organizational information and communicate it clearly in writing.
Ability to work independently in a consultative, part-time retiree capacity with minimal supervision.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.

Please apply by 2/16/2026 for consideration.

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

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/Mission-Operations-and-Data-Systems-Researcher/70012