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University of Colorado Boulder

CIRES/NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Scientific Software E

University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 80301

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Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) has an immediate opening for a Professional Research Assistant (PRA) supporting the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Boulder, CO. As a scientific software engineer working with the space weather team in the NCEI Solar‑Terrestrial Physics (STP) section, the successful candidate will support NCEI’s work with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites‑R series (GOES‑R), Space Weather Follow‑On (SWFO), and Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), and future satellite missions such as SOLAR. These efforts include the development of algorithms that are used for real‑time and retrospective processing to provide high‑quality data records for space weather instruments, and the implementation of these algorithms in scientific processing pipelines created and maintained by the space weather team. The successful candidate will be an essential member in a team of software engineers, data managers, and scientists dedicated to diverse projects to validate, process and disseminate NOAA’s space weather data.

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 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.

Space Weather Team Responsibilities

Implement and help validate data processing algorithms that convert satellite-based measurements to space weather data products. (30%)

Install and maintain scientific product algorithm software within NCEI product generation environments, both on‑premises and using cloud infrastructure. (15%)

Optimize algorithms to achieve required performance, based on test results and interactions with stakeholders. (15%)

Help to develop innovative solutions as NCEI transitions to cloud-based infrastructure. (10%)

Assist in the design and development of NCEI space weather product data services. (10%)

Develop and maintain software tools to support the interdisciplinary space weather team’s needs. (10%)

Assist with data product visualizations. (5%)

Collaborate with and present findings to the space weather team and broader space physics community. (5%)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, any Physical Science, or similar technical discipline.

2+ years of professional experience with Python programming.

Advanced proficiency in Python and its scientific packages (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib).

Skill in scientific programming and analysis of environmental data, particularly in collaboration with an interdisciplinary science team.

Experience with Linux/Unix operating systems, Bash, SSH, and command‑line text editors.

Expertise in developing software using object‑oriented design principles, software standards, and version control.

Ability to improve and maintain software authored by others.

Experience writing unit, integration, and functional tests.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Familiarity with space weather or space‑based measurements is preferred.

Preferred Skills

Experience with cloud-based technologies such as AWS and Terraform.

Experience creating and running Docker containers, especially in CI/CD pipelines.

Proficiency with additional scientific languages such as IDL or MATLAB.

Familiarity with low‑level languages such as C or C++.

Experience using git and GitHub for collaborative software development.

Experience with Python packaging and environment maintenance (conda or pip).

Understanding of systems that generate, manage, or distribute large data sets.

Experience with data visualization tools.

Benefits CIRES offers a generous compensation package. Annual salary range for this position is $62,444 – $113,246. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification. Some relocation funds are available through CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes. This position offers a hybrid work environment with both on‑site and remote hours. CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder provide a robust training curriculum, professional development opportunities, and a Mentorship Program.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we support the holistic health and well‑being of employees through medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. CU Boulder also offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation.

Application Instructions Please include the following materials:

CV.

Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

List of up to 3 professional references who can be contacted if you become a finalist (one reference will be asked to write a letter of recommendation).

For candidates with degrees obtained outside the United States, a translated version is optional.

Application materials will not be accepted via email. Submit through CU Boulder Jobs. The position will close on November 3, 2025.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you may redact age‑identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation from your application.

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