CIRES / NOAA NCEI Geomagnetism – MagMapper Associate Scientist (Server & Data Engineer)

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Associate Scientist (Professional Research Assistant) to support server-side development and data engineering for the MagMapper project, a Department of Energy (DoE)-funded citizen science initiative to crowdsource the detection and mapping of undocumented orphan wells using smartphone magnetometers. The MagMapper platform consists of a mobile application, a cloud-based server backend on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), machine-learning quality control pipelines, and GIS data integration services.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary server-side developer, maintaining and extending the MagMapper backend infrastructure, implementing data quality control automation, building data interfaces for federal partners, and supporting the public-facing data visualization pipeline through ESRI ArcGIS. This is a critical role ensuring the operational continuity and scientific integrity of citizen-contributed geophysical data as the project enters its second year of operations.

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

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Maintain and extend the MagMapper server backend on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including Cloud Run services, Cloud SQL databases, Cloud Storage, and Firebase integration. (25%)
• Implement and deploy the machine-learning quality control (QC) pipeline using Google Vertex AI to automatically validate citizen-submitted magnetic survey data, images, and field notes. (20%)
• Develop and maintain server-side APIs and data interfaces, including GeoJSON export endpoints, data feeds for ESRI ArcGIS web map integration, and a data access interface for the Department of Energy. (20%)
• Implement server-side push notification infrastructure to communicate survey results, achievements, and quality feedback to mobile app users. (10%)
• Maintain and enhance the Looker-based analytics dashboard for privileged users and project administrators. (10%)
• Provide ongoing server maintenance, bug fixes, security updates, dependency management, and monitoring. (10%)
• Document server architecture and train incoming team members to ensure knowledge transfer and project continuity. Perform other relevant duties as necessary. (5%)

What You Should Know

• This is a term-limited, 50% (20 hours per week) appointment. This appointment is expected to end on September 30, 2026.
• The targeted start date for this position is May 4, 2026.
• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role. Candidates must be able to work legally in the U.S. by the start date.
• This position is rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder and is physically situated at the David Skaggs Research Center (DSRC), 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this 50% position is $32,500 to $33,000 (equivalent to $65,000 to $66,000 at 1.0 FTE). Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality and may be approved for fully remote at the supervisor’s discretion.
• The University of Colorado Boulder offers 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.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

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 challenged. Be fun. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field. Candidates graduating with a bachelor's degree by May 1, 2026, will be considered.
• At least 1 year of experience in server-side software development, cloud infrastructure management, or backend engineering, which may include experience gained during academic projects or student employment.

What You Will Need

• Proficiency in server-side development with Python and/or Node.js.
• Expertise with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services, including Cloud Run, Cloud SQL, Cloud Storage, and Firebase.
• Expertise designing and implementing RESTful APIs and working with JSON/GeoJSON data formats.
• Familiarity with relational databases (PostgreSQL or MySQL) and SQL.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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.

• Master’s degree in computer science or software development. This could dramatically reduce the qualified applicants, as we can use the preferred to narrow down the pool.
• Experience with machine learning deployment, particularly Google Vertex AI or similar ML platforms for automated data quality control.
• Experience with Looker or similar business intelligence/dashboard tools.
• Familiarity with push notification systems (Firebase Cloud Messaging, APNs).
• Experience with GIS data formats, ESRI ArcGIS, or geospatial data pipelines.
• Experience with citizen science platforms or crowdsourced data collection systems.
• Familiarity with mobile backend development supporting iOS and Android applications.
• Prior experience in a geoscience or environmental science research context.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
3. If you are identified as a finalist, the search committee will request a letter of recommendation at a later time.

This position will close April 26, 2026.

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: Manoj Nair

Posting Contact Email: manoj.nair@colorado.edu