Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

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Research Scientist II in Planetary Science

Requisition Number:

68832

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

02-Dec-2025

Date Posted:

26-Nov-2025
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Job Summary

We seek a candidate to bolster our research into photochemical modeling of the Venus upper atmosphere, including the escape of hydrogen to space, and to help us make connections with hydrogen escape occurring on Earth and Mars. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in computational modeling of planetary upper atmospheres, including familiarity with the major escape processes of hydrogen from Venus, Earth, and Mars to space. Demonstrated experience in retrieving H escape rates from Lyman alpha airglow measurements of terrestrial exospheres would be a major plus, as would involvement with present space missions observing atmospheric hydrogen coronas and escape.\

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/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Photochemical modeling of the Venus upper atmosphere
  • Interpretation of photochemical model output in the context of past Venus mission observations
  • Preparation, submission, and publication of scientific manuscripts and proposals
  • Participation in group meetings and mentoring activities
  • Other duties as assigned

What You Should Know

  • This position could begin remotely but will need to be in-person shortly after the appointment begins.

What We Can Offer

  • Relocation expenses up to the equivalent of one-months’ salary (taxable).
  • $98,600.00 - $133,600.00 annual.

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • PhD in planetary science or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated track record of high-impact research in planetary upper atmospheres, space physics, or atmospheric escape.

What You Will Need

  • Demonstrated involvement in mission data analysis.
  • Strong scientific computing skills, including demonstrated track record of working with complex numerical models.
  • Demonstrated record of success in scientific publication and funding proposals.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Current involvement in multiple spacecraft missions observing atmospheric escape.
  • Demonstrated experience in retrieving hydrogen escape rates from optically thick Lyman alpha observations.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. Resume or CV.
  2. Cover Letter
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: 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. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by 12/2/2025.

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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu