Overview
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences
(CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder, in partnership with
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI),
invites applications for a Research Scientist position for Magnetic
Navigation. MagNav is a navigation technology that leverages
Earth’s natural magnetic field to enhance global navigation
resilience in GPS-denied environments. A key aspect of MagNav is
the development of accurate magnetic maps and estimating the
associated uncertainties. The successful candidate will join a
cutting-edge project aimed at developing geomagnetic anomaly maps
and advancing the use of machine-learning techniques for MagNav.
The research outcomes will support navigation applications and
provide valuable tools for government, industry, and
academia.
This CIRES position is based at the David Skaggs Research Center in
Boulder, Colorado, and offers a hybrid work option.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a
culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students
dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We
are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and
individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
At CIRES , more than 950 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/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).
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
• Develop and implement machine learning algorithms to improve
Earth’s magnetic anomaly maps and models (30%)
• Investigate the use of non-traditional datasets to improve the
resolution, and accuracy of geomagnetic maps. (10%)
• Collaborate with the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency (NGA) and other stakeholders to share research findings
(10%).
• Identify and address critical research questions related to a
full understanding of crustal magnetic anomalies, analyzing large
geophysical datasets (30%).
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings
at scientific conferences (10%).
• Seek and secure funding for continued research in geomagnetic
field modeling and associated technologies from agencies such as
NASA, NOAA, and others (10%)
What You Should Know
• Due to the requirement to access export-controlled data and
information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green
cards), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as
an asylum, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty
provisions) may apply.
• If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to
successfully complete a federal background clearance process for
site access.
• 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.
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
off-set moving expenses following CIRES and the University of
Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer 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. Boulder was
recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by
U.S. News.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free
access to the regional public transit system
, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems
that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the
Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental,
retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The
University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in
Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education
environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .
Be Statements
Be impactful. Be unique. Be Boulder.
What We Require
• PhD in physics, geophysics, applied mathematics, engineering,
computer science, or related fields
• Experience in machine-learning applications with strong
programming skills in Python or MATLAB
• At least 1 year of post-doctoral research
What You Will Need
• Expertise in processing physical or geophysical data.
• Experience applying machine learning techniques to physical or
geophysical data, especially in anomaly detection or
prediction.
• Ability to communicate research findings effectively in
English, both in writing and presentations.
• Capability to contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team
environment.
• Proven capability for self-guided, motivated, and original
research.
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 with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow,
PyTorch, or similar.
• Experience in optimizing software to reduce memory usage and
increase performance.
• A willingness to learn from teammates.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
• Resume or CV.
• Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly
describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific
interest in this position. Please note that a cover letter is
mandatory and applicants who do not submit this document at the
time of application will not be considered.
• Although not required at the time of application, please be
ready to offer contact information for professional references who
can be contacted on your behalf if you are identified as a finalist
for this role. We will use a digital reference check solution.
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 on December 13, 2024.
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: 
Company:
University of Colorado System
Qualifications:
Language requirements:
Specific requirements:
Educational level:
Level of experience (years):
Senior (5+ years of experience)
