CIRES​/NOAA SWPC Space Weather Ionosphere​/Thermosphere Research Scientist

CIRES/ NOAA SWPC Space Weather Ionosphere/Thermosphere Research Scientist

Requisition Number: 67888

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 21-Mar-2026

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CU CIRES) invites applications for a Research Scientist position at NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The successful applicant will work to advance SWPC’s ability to predict the dynamics and response of the ionosphere and atmosphere to space weather as it pertains to impacts on communication, navigation, and satellite drag applications.

The position will require the ability to develop and improve physical models of the upper atmosphere to advance SWPC’s space weather products and services, and to be aware of the ionospheric and thermosphere effects that impact users. The candidate will also be required to understand the needs and requirements for actionable space weather information, and to educate the operational user community about how they are affected by space weather.

At the higher level, the position will require managing and coordinating the ionosphere/atmosphere development activities.

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.

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.

As part of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Space Weather Prediction Center https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). operates 24/7 to provide real‑time monitoring and forecasting of solar and geophysical events, which impact satellites, power grids, communications, navigation, and other technological systems. SWPC customers include the general public, industry and government agencies.

• Work within a small dynamic group at SWPC to advance predictive models of the ionosphere and atmosphere to better forecast how space weather might impact communications, navigation, and satellite drag. (40‑50%)
• Engage with the scientific and space weather user community to identify scientific and technical innovations related to ionosphere/atmosphere modeling that could be beneficial to SWPC forecasters and customers. (10%)
• Assess and validate models and applications to establish SWPC priorities. (10%)
• Guide the transition of high‑priority models and applications from research to space weather forecasting operations, ensuring that they meet the scientific validation, documentation, and software infrastructure requirements of the Space Weather Prediction Testbed (15%)
• Pursue original research that explores new scientific models, observations, or other innovations that have the potential to improve space weather forecasting capabilities (10%)
• Present results and ongoing efforts through publications in peer‑reviewed journals, internal reports, and presentations at professional meetings and conferences. (5%)
• At the higher level, manage and coordinate the activities of the group. (0‑10%)

• Access to the NOAA Federal Center and computer facilities is necessary to perform the work of this position. Access is not available for individuals working in the United States through a visa or work permit and therefore we are unable to consider applications…