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CIRES/NOAA NCEI Research Scientist Geomagnetic Field Modeling
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Position Number: 5811610
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

CIRES/NOAA NCEI Research Scientist Geomagnetic Field Modeling

Requisition Number: 60400
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 18-Dec-2024
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder conducts collaborative research with NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). CIRES has an immediate opening for a Geomagnetic Research Scientist. The successful applicant will be responsible for a range of research duties related to the development of new global models of the Earth's magnetic field, which are used by government, industry, academia, and the public. Research will include developing new processing methods and geomagnetic field models using data provided by innovative CubeSats currently being developed for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)-sponsored MagQuest competition. Ideal candidates should have research experience in computational geophysics, geophysical inversion, or data science. The ability to collaborate effectively within a team of research scientists, software developers, and data managers is essential.

This CIRES position is based at the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado, and offers a hybrid work option.
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.

Who We Are

At CIRES, more than 950 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) is responsible for hosting and providing access to one of the most significant archives on Earth, with comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric, and geophysical data. From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun and from million-year-old sediment records to near real-time satellite images, NCEI is the Nation's leading authority for environmental information.

The CIRES/NCEI geomagnetism team conducts basic and applied research in the field of Earth magnetism. We develop data-based models and calculators of the various magnetic fields originating within the Earth (in the core, mantle, lithosphere and oceans) and in the near-Earth space environment (in the ionized layers of the atmosphere and the magnetosphere). Such models have a wide range of scientific and technical uses, from investigating physical processes associated with a particular source, for example core flows, to providing accurate headings for aircraft navigation and directional drilling. The group is based out of NOAA's Boulder campus and is primarily funded by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) through an agreement with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Develop new processing and inversion algorithms to derive mathematical models of the Earth's magnetic field and its various sources from satellite (including CubeSats) and ground-based data (40%).
Contribute to the development, testing, and validation of high-profile geomagnetic field models, such as the World Magnetic Model (WMM), Enhanced Magnetic Model (EMM) and High-Definition Geomagnetic Model (HDGM) (15%).
Collaborate with software developers to transition research-grade scientific software into a production environment, resulting in cutting-edge geomagnetic field models (15%).
Identify key research questions in the field of geomagnetism, develop a research plan, and analyze scientific data to address them (15%).
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals (10%).
Pursue funding opportunities for geomagnetic field modeling research (e.g., NASA, NSF, etc.) (5%).

What You Should Know

This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access.
Non-US citizens without green cards may have limited building access and require an escort in the building.

What We Can Offer

CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 - $114,000.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Some relocation funds are available for this position to off-set moving expenses following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be empowered. Be talented. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
At least 1 year of post-doctoral research experience in a field utilizing data analysis and/or data-based modeling
Substantial experience in developing and programming research code in Python or MATLAB
Demonstrated ability to conduct self-guided, motivated and original research as evidenced by a strong track record of peer reviewed publications

What You Will Need

Demonstrated ability to conduct self-guided, motivated, and original research
Background in scientific research, particularly in computational geophysics, data science, or machine learning
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as a team member
Commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position. Please note that a cover letter is mandatory and applicants who do not submit this document at the time of application will not be considered.
Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to offer contact information for professional references who can be contacted on your behalf if you are identified as a finalist for this role. We will use a digital reference check solution.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.

This position will close December 18, 2024.

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/CIRES-NOAA-NCEI-Research-Scientist-Geomagnetic-Field-Modeling/60400