Job Description

Job Description Summary:

We are excited to announce that the High Altitude Observatory (HAO), one of the NCAR’s seven labs, has an opening for an Instrumentation Scientist III position.

This position develops and operates state-of-the-art observational and experimental instruments in solar physics, with particular emphasis on their application to research.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

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

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

Application Notes

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 after Appointments 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 appointments process.

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 March 31, 2024

Required application materials:

Make sure to include all documents listed!!

Resume/CV

List of publications

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

What You Will Do

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.

Who We’d Love to Join Our Team

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

Benefits Overview 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. 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