Geomagnetic Research Scientist

Summary

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) and is seeking a highly motivated Geomagnetic Research Scientist to join this dynamic partnership. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of next-generation global models of Earth’s magnetic field, which support critical applications across government, industry, academia, and the public. Research activities will include evaluating magnetometer data from three innovative CubeSat missions being developed for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)-sponsored MagQuest competition, scheduled for launch this year, and advancing novel data processing and modeling techniques to improve global magnetic field products. MagQuest aims to identify future data sources for the World Magnetic Model (WMM), the international standard underpinning modern navigation systems.

Ideal candidates will have research experience in space-based magnetometer measurements, computational geophysics, geophysical inversion, space physics, or data science, and will thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The position offers the opportunity to work alongside research scientists, software developers, and data managers to address scientifically challenging problems with real-world impact while contributing to peer-reviewed research and operational geomagnetic modeling efforts.

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.

The CIRES/ NOAA 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).

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Investigate data quality from space-based magnetometers for geomagnetic modeling and research new methods and algorithms to derive geomagnetic field models from such data (50%).
• Contribute to the development, testing, and validation of high-profile geomagnetic field models, such as the World Magnetic Model (WMM) (10%)
• Investigate key research questions in geomagnetism or related fields aligned with group research priorities and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. (30%).
• Pursue funding opportunities for geomagnetic field modeling research (e.g., NASA, NSF, etc.) (10%).
  
  

What You Should Know

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• 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.
• Given project deliverables the candidate must be able to start on June 1st, 2026.
  
  

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000 - $93,992. 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 offset moving expenses following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• 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 imaginative. Be proactive. Be Boulder.

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.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated ability to conduct self-guided, motivated and original research as evidenced by a strong track record of peer reviewed publications.
• 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 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, space physics or space weather research.
• Experience with space-based magnetometer measurements.
• Familiarity with statistical methods for geophysical data analysis and modeling.
  
  

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

• Resume or CV.
• Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
• Although not needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 5 professional references. If you are identified as a finalist for this position, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the members of the search committee.
  
  

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 April 30, 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.