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CIRES/NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, GONG Administrator

Position Number: 6084040
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Physics

CIRES/NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, GONG Administrator

Requisition Number: 62773
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 19-Mar-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking a full-time Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) Administrator to support work with our federal partners at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). SWPC is the nation's official source of space weather alerts and warnings.

GONG solar magnetogram and dopplergram observations are critical for SWPC operational capabilities. SWPC forecast operations rely on the National Science Foundation's (NSF) GONG network for continuous ground-based solar observations. GONG provides maps of the Sun's global magnetic field, which are essential inputs for the WSA-Enlil operational space weather model. These forecasts are vital to domestic and international stakeholders, including North American power grid operators, who depend on SWPC's alerts to maintain system stability and prevent disruptions. As the GONG Administrator you will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the GONG operational data processing pipelines for the purpose of safeguarding society with actionable space weather information. You will take the lead on modernizing and improving these pipelines to ensure continued operational support and stability. The GONG Administrator will work with team members to develop and improve the integration of GONG observations with SWPC operational models and applications. Looking forward, the GONG Administrator will lead development of operational requirements for the next generation of solar magnetogram and dopplergram instrumentation.
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

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.

As part of NOAA's National Weather Service, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Maintain and Improve Operational Capabilities (40%): Lead the monitoring, maintenance and modernization of the GONG operational data processing pipelines at SWPC.
Plan for the Future (25%): Take the lead in setting operational requirements for future solar magnetogram and dopplergram observations in support of SWPC's mission.
Data to Model Exploitation (25%): Work to expand the integration of GONG observations with SWPC operational models (e.g. WSA-ENLIL, ADAPT).
Supervision (10%): Supervision of junior team members working to support the project.

What You Should Know

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 working permit and therefore we are unable to consider applications from individuals on a visa or working permit, or requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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.
If you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.

What We Can Offer

CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $126,450 to $171,200. 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 offers a hybrid work environment with both on-site and remote work hours.
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.

Why Choose Us

Make a Difference: Your work directly impacts the resilience of national infrastructure from power grids to satellite navigation systems. SWPC is part of an international community working with our sister organizations from nations around the world.
Innovative Environment: Be part of shaping the future of the Space Weather Prediction Center's software landscape.
Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values your insights and encourages knowledge sharing.

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 collaborative. Be supportive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

A PhD degree is required (Physics fields preferred; other related fields may be considered).
Experience with GONG operational data processing.
Prior experience with operation models such as WSA-ENLIL, ADAPT.
Prior supervisory experience.

What You Will Need

GONG Familiarization: Familiarity with the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG)
Solar Instrumentation and Data Processing: Demonstrated expertise with solar magnetogram and dopplergram instruments, measurements, calibration, and data processing.
Requirement Setting: Demonstrated ability to perform scientific and technical requirements analysis and assessment as new observing systems are developed
Solar Observations: Familiarity with other ground-based solar observations, including white-light and H-alpha.
Linux Background: Ability to directly support Linux-based operational computer systems and processing codes,
Great Teammate: Ability to work with an extended, geographically dispersed team to maintain operational systems.
Mission Focus: Ability to work in a mission-focused, operational environment.
Leadership and Independence: Ability to think critically, make independent decisions and lead observation focused projects.

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.
Although not required at the time of application, if you are identified as a finalist for this role, we will request contact information for professional references at a later time.

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 March 19th.

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-NOAA-Space-Weather-Prediction-Center-GONG-Administrator/62773