Job Details

CIRES/ESOC Computational Geodetic Research Scientist

Position Number: 6303032
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

CIRES/ESOC Computational Geodetic Research Scientist

Requisition Number: 65094
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 18-Jun-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) encourages applications for a Research Scientist within the Earth Science and Observation Center (ESOC) in Boulder, Colorado. The successful candidate will work on NSF projects for improved synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing, using high-performance computing methods and data analysis techniques. ESOC has a highly collaborative work culture, and we are looking for a candidate who actively subscribes to this philosophy.

ESOC is a CIRES research center that specializes in the application of remote sensing observations towards the understanding and advancement of Earth System Science. The Computational Geodetic Research Scientist will use satellite and terrestrial based observations to inform geophysical models that simulate processes along Earth's surface. Research areas include the characterization of and predictions for changes along earth's surface due to natural hazards (landslides), tectonic deformation, and changes in the cryosphere (glacial, permafrost, and sea ice changes).
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 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.

The Earth Science and Observation Center within CIRES applies satellite and ground-based geophysical observations to problems with the dynamic Earth system. The Center includes about a dozen active teaching and research faculty and two dozen or so affiliated post-doctoral researchers and graduate students. There is a strong field component to much of the research.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

30% - Process, analyze and assimilate satellite data and reanalysis data from a wide variety of sensors (SAR, optical, precipitation, spectral) for use in characterizing earth surface processes. This includes the development of new algorithms and process workflows for remote sensing techniques.
30% - Employ existing models and develop novel approaches to model earth surface processes using existing remote sensing observations. Apply statistical methods, pattern recognition, and machine learning, where applicable.
10% - Seek, establish, and nurture collaborations with researchers both internally within CU system (ESOC, CIRES, INSTAAR, campus wide) and externally at other universities and government laboratories (USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, NASA).
10% - Write proposals to fund novel research activities and ideas from new and existing research efforts.
10% - Effectively convey research results through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations.
5% - Participate in community outreach activities that advance science in the field (manuscript peer reviews, funding agency panel) and convey the scientific achievements of the researcher and the CIRES community as a whole.
5% - Perform other duties as necessary (mentor undergraduate and graduate students, various project support).

What You Should Know

This is a four-month full-time position with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
This position can offer a fully remote work modality.
Approximate start date (The targeted start date for this position is July 1).
Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous compensation and benefits package.
The annual hiring salary for this position ranges from $70,00 - $75,00. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
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 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

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 flexible. Be talented. Be Boulder.

What We Require

The position requires a PhD on geophysics/geodesy and two years of remote sensing experience post-PhD is required.
At least 1 year of earth surface modeling is required.
Experience in one or more fields is required: Remote Sensing, Earth Surface Modeling, Earth System Science.
Experience with scripting and at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, R, IDL) is required.

What You Will Need

Ability to consistently promote, support, work, and act in a manner in support of CIRES's vision, mission and values.
Expertise in remote sensing processing and applications.
Knowledge of earth system dynamics and geophysical processes.
Astute observational skills for defining complex, computational/high performance computing and/or cloud computing.
Ability to process large data volumes and sets. Strong skills with data processing and visualization.
Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks and desire to contribute to a collaborative and diverse work environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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 one professional reference who can be contacted on your behalf to provide a letter of recommendation.

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 as an optional attachment.

Please apply by June 18, 2025 to be considered for this position.

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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-ESOC-Computational-Geodetic-Research-Scientist/65094