CIRES/NOAA NCEI Research Scientist – Geomagnetic Field Modeling
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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.
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
Be Statements
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
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 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 in geomagnetic research
- Familiarity with statistical methods for geophysical data analysis and modeling
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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Arnaud Chulliat
Posting Contact Email: arnaud.chulliat@noaa.gov