Solar Instrument Research Scientist

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

Job summary

The University of Colorado LASP is seeking a solar instrument scientist to calibrate NASA satellite instruments, analyze solar UV and X-ray data, and contribute to instrument development for NASA, NOAA, and NSF missions. The role emphasizes solar irradiance studies, space weather applications, and advancing new solar instruments.

Onsite lab work is required, with occasional travel to conferences. A PhD in a relevant field and strong programming skills are essential for designing, calibrating,

Qualifications

• PhD in science or engineering fields required.
• Solar physics background required.
• Space weather experience focused on flares and CME events.
• Programming in IDL, Python, and/or C for data analysis and instrument software.
• Knowledge of proposal writing.

Responsibilities

• Analyze SDO EVE rocket data to derive solar irradiance spectra for GEO.
• Analyze InspireSat-1 DAXSS X-ray spectra for active region evolution and publish results.
• Support SunCET cubesat integration, launch, data analysis, and publication.
• Support CubIXSS cubesat calibration, integration, launch, data analysis, and publication.
• Develop a new solar hard X-ray photometer for LASP IRD program and propose missions.
• Pursue additional solar physics/space weather R&D for NASA/NOAA/NSF.
• Present findings at mission science meetings and national/international conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Solar physics

Space weather

Solar instruments

IDL

Python

C

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in science or engineering fields

Job description

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full‑Time

Posting Close Date: 23‑Sep‑2026

Date Posted: 21‑Sep‑2026

Job Summary

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

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/.

Key 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 working group meetings and at national / international science conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Onsite presence is required for the instrument laboratory work.
• 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 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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs 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 and X-ray radiation.
• Programming languages such as IDL, Python, and/or C for data analysis 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 space weather.