Solar Instrument Research Scientist

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 87,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder’s LASP invites applications for a solar instrument scientist. The role focuses on calibrations and data analysis of NASA satellite instruments to study solar UV and X-ray irradiance, its variations during flares, 27-day rotation, and 11-year cycle, and their impacts on Earth's upper atmosphere and space weather applications.

The successful candidate will help design and calibrate new solar instruments and propose missions for NASA, NOAA and NSF, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in science or engineering fields.
• Solar Physics background.
• Space Weather related primarily to flares and CME events.
• Programming languages such as IDL, Python, and/or C for data analysis and development of instrument flight software.
• Knowledge of proposal writing.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the rocket flight measurements from the SDO EVE rocket instruments to determine solar irradiance reference spectra and apply those results to the SDO EVE flight instrument in GEO.
• Analyze the InspireSat-1 DAXSS solar X-ray spectra for solar active region evolution and trending and publish those results.
• Support the integration and test, launch, and commissioning of the SunCET cubesat and analyze the SunCET instrument science data and publish those results.
• Support the calibration, integration and test, launch, and commissioning of the CubIXSS cubesat and analyze the CubIXSS instrument science data and publish those results.
• Develop a new solar hard X-ray photometer for LASP's Internal Research and Development (IRD) program and propose this new instrument for a mission for NASA and/or NOAA.
• Pursue other solar physics / space weather research and development of other solar instruments to NASA, NOAA, and/or NSF.
• Present results from these projects at mission science workinggroup meetings and at national / international science conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Solar Physics

Python

IDL

C programming

Space Weather

Education

PhD

Job description

Job Summary

The solar instrument scientist will work on NASA satelliteinstruments calibrations and data analysis to study the solarultraviolet and X-ray irradiance, its variations during flares,27-day solar rotation, and 11-year solar cycle, its impacts inEarth's upper atmosphere, and its space weather applications. Thisscientist will also work on designing and calibrating new solarinstruments and propose developing other new solar instruments forNASA, NOAA, and/or NSF.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing humanunderstanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiringand educating the next generation of space explorers. From enablingthe first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upperatmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in thesolar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary andspace physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the searchfor evidence of habitable worlds. LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generationthrough research, innovation, and education in space sciences. Weemploy over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, andstudents that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explorenovel solutions to make the impossible possible. LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism ofexpertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations.Through research projects, LASP participates actively in thetraining of the future leaders of space research and helps theUniversity of Colorado to educate students with valued technicaland scientific skills. Development and use of innovativetechnologies and continuing participation in new researchinitiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into thefuture. LASP is proud of our work environment that supportsemployee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for abroad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can befound here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Analyze the rocket flight measurements from the SDO EVE rocketinstruments to determine solar irradiance reference spectra andapply those results to the SDO EVE flight instrument in GEO.
• Analyze the InspireSat-1 DAXSS solar X-ray spectra for solaractive region evolution and trending and publish those results
• Support the integration and test, launch, and commissioning ofthe SunCET cubesat and analyze the SunCET instrument science dataand publish those results.
• Support the calibration, integration and test, launch, andcommissioning of the CubIXSS cubesat and analyze the CubIXSSinstrument science data and publish those results.
• Develop a new solar hard X-ray photometer for LASP's InternalResearch and Development (IRD) program and propose this newinstrument for a mission for NASA and/or NOAA.
• Pursue other solar physics / space weather research anddevelopment of other solar instruments to NASA, NOAA, and/orNSF.
• Present results from these projects at mission science workinggroup meetings and at national / international scienceconferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Onsite presence is required for the instrument laboratorywork.
• May need to occasionally travel for conferences.

What We Can Offer

• $86,800.00 - $94,300.00 per year.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one offorbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in science or engineering fields.

What You Will Need

• Solar Physics background.
• Space Weather related primarily to flares and CME events.
• Solar Instruments to measure / image the solar ultraviolet andX-ray radiation.
• Programming languages such as IDL, Python, and/or C for dataanalysis and development of instrument flight software.
• Knowledge of proposal writing.

What We Would Like You to Have

• PhD in related science fields of solar physics and spaceweather.