CIRES/ NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Space Weather Scientist

University of Colorado • Boulder, CO

387d • $74,933 - $135,896

About The Position

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CU CIRES) is seeking a full-time Research Scientist at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The role focuses on evaluating the impact of commercial radio occultation data on ionospheric models and products, contributing to NOAA's Commercial Data Program and Space Weather Data Pilot. The successful candidate will work with a team to manage and analyze ionospheric data, develop new products, and improve existing models, with a project duration of one year and potential for renewal.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in a related field is required.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python), code development in Windows and/or Unix environments, and code source control and documentation.
• Experience developing high-quality and insightful visualization of scientific datasets.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with ground-based and space-based ionospheric data (e.g., GNSS RO).
• Familiarity with scientific data analysis, model-data comparison, and scientific visualization.
• Knowledge of GNSS theory, hardware, and software.
• Experience using and comparing different scintillation indices (ROTI, S4, sj, carrier to noise, etc.).
• Familiarity with modern software management paradigms and tools (e.g., git, Docker).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the impact of commercial radio occultation data on ionospheric models and products by quantitatively comparing these data with satellite measurements, ground-based observations, and numerical model outputs.
• Develop software tools that conduct periodic checks of the data products being provided.
• Document the suitability of the commercially available ionospheric data products for space weather specification and forecast products.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition benefit
• ECO Pass for public transit access
• Relocation funds available for moving expenses
• Professional development opportunities
• Mentorship Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees