Solar Physics Research Scientist
Date posted
Feb. 6, 2023 3:45 pm
Application deadline
Mar. 6, 2023 5:00 pm
Organization
CIRES/NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information at the University of Colorado Boulder
Location
- United States
Job description
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Solar Physics Research Scientist in solar working with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information’s (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 both the X-ray solar irradiance which provides the historical solar flare classifications with the X-ray Sensor (XRS), and the extreme ultraviolet irradiance with the Extreme Ultraviolet Sensor (EUVS). As a part of the NCEI solar irradiance team, the selected candidate will work to improve the in-flight calibration and validation of XRS and EUVS data, develop data tools and products for X-ray and ultraviolet time series datasets hosted at NCEI, and apply XRS and EUVS data to scientific research, all in support of NOAA’s space weather forecasting operations and the scientific community. CIRES Research Associates may pursue external funding for complementary scientific or operational activities, although external funding is not necessary.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Develop and improve calibration methods for the EXIS instruments in collaboration with the instrument vendor.
- Analyze intercalibrations between solar instruments to validate data, find and resolve anomalies, and enhance data quality.
- Participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of operational and scientific space weather products.
- Work with the team to research and develop new methods for real-time operations.
- Conduct research with solar irradiance data and present results in peer-reviewed publications and at scientific meetings.
What You Will Need
- Research experience in solar physics or space weather phenomena.
- Expertise in analyzing and calibrating science datasets.
- Expertise in scientific code development in languages including Python and IDL.
- Expertise in developing scientific algorithms.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to thrive both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability and desire to contribute to an inclusive and collaborative team.
What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this “What We Would Like You To Have” section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Experience with optical instrument design especially for space research.
- Experience developing or maintaining scientific data calibration or analysis pipelines, especially in Python.
- Experience using solar data analysis tools (e.g., SunPy or SolarSoft IDL).
- Familiarity with solar data product design and software best practices.
- Experience working with large datasets.
- Familiarity with data processing and storage for cloud-based applications.
- Familiarity with space weather drivers, effects, and forecasting strategies.
- Experience working on science spacecraft mission development and pre/post-launch tests.
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.
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