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/ .
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- 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.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover Letter.
- Optional: Reference 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.
Please apply by 9/23/2026 for consideration.
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
