Visa Sponsored Job:

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Job Location:

Position Type & Term:

Annual salary range: $123,001 - $153,750

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type:Hybrid (minimum of 2 days a week is required to be on-site)

Position Type & Term: This will be a full-time, regular position afterAppointments Review Group (ARG)* approval.

NOTE: This position will be hired as Instrumentation Scientist III and moved to Research Engineer III after the Appointments Review Group (ARG)* approval is completed.

*Appointments Review Group (ARG)is the NCAR ladder-track appointmentsprocess.

Work Authorization:YES Visa sponsorship IS Available for this position

Relocation Assistance: YES Relo IS Available for this position

Application Deadline:

• This position will receive applications until April 26, 2024

Required application materials:

Make sure to include all documents listed!!

• Resume/CV

• List of publications

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. .

Here is a summary of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops instruments and applies analytical tools to study basic physical processes. Serves as Principal Investigator of the Coronal and Solar Magnetism Observatory (COSMO) Large Coronagraph (i.e., leading role in developing and realizing the large coronagraph instrument as part of the future COSMO facility).

• Acts as Principal Investigator, lead instrument scientist, or in other leadership roles on projects where funding is sought from external sources. As Principal Investigator or lead instrument scientist, responsibilities include:

  • Development of science questions, analysis to derive science requirements and flow down to instrument requirements, supervision of instrumentation teams, instrument design and costing, design, and implementation of requirement verification procedures, data reduction and analysis, and essential systems engineering tasks.

  • Evaluate project progress and results and modify to achieve objectives. Plans projects, including requirements for human and financial resources.

• Engage in active science research that advances the imperatives and frontiers of the HAO strategic plan and program. This research activity includes, but is not limited to, instrument science, participation in observational programs, analysis, modeling, and interpretation of solar data, development of diagnostic tools and community codes, and theoretical study of solar phenomena and the associated physical processes.

• Provide scientific expertise and project leadership to various HAO instrumentation projects developed for solar experimental research that rely on polarization measurements, including UCoMP and COSMO LC. In addition to supporting existing science instruments, it develops the next generation of solar instrumentation and missions. Provide mentorship and guidance to junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Directs HAO and community colleagues' efforts to develop science-use cases, scientific requirements, data deliverables, and analysis methods that benefit the HAO, the research, operational, and private sectors.

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• PhD and seven years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with the implementation and execution of observing programs at a major research instrument facility.

• Experience in conducting solar research pertinent to the advancement of the science goals of NCAR.

• Experience leading teams of engineers, scientists, and post-graduate students in the development of instrumentation

Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

• Experience with coronagraphs and solar instrumentation preferred.

• Experience with the design, fabrication, and characterization of Lyot or birefringent filters is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of optical instrumentation and telescope observing systems.

• Strong expertise in polarimetry and spectroscopy background.

• Ability and expertise in leading instrument development through a complete cycle from conception to data validation/distribution.

  • Ability to design new instruments to meet science requirements. o Ability to maintain and upgrade existing instruments that deliver daily observations to the scientific community.

  • Demonstrated advanced troubleshooting skills to identify issues in existing instruments and improve instrument performance.

  • Expert ability to develop algorithms to identify and correct instrumental effects in science data products.

  • Demonstrated strong experience in writing instrument calibration software.

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a core team on unusually complex technical problems and provide innovative solutions.

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art detectors and detector characterization.

• Proven advanced ability to acquire, handle, reduce, and analyze the data product of an experiment.

• Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical notes.

• Demonstrated ability to create proper flow-downs of science requirements into instrument design requirements.

• Advanced skill at leading the development of observational and experimental approaches to pursue specific scientific goals and objectives.

• Thorough understanding of the methods and procedures for conducting scientific research

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on technical communication

• Ability to represent the organization to external partners and sponsors on technical and scientific issues.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a small multidisciplinary team of engineers, software engineers, scientists, and solar observers.

• Presents the scientific and engineering capabilities of instruments at science and engineering meetings.

• Excellent task management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the and our site.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.