Job Summary

The Space Plasma Group at the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking to fill 1 research scientist position in space plasma physics. We are seeking researchers at the Research Scientist 1 (RS1, postdoc-equivalent) level.

The CU/LASP Space Plasma Group conducts a diverse research program encompassing instrumentation, data analysis, simulation, and theoretical studies of space plasma physics in a variety of environments, including planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres as well as the solar wind.

Research duties include conducting studies of wave-particle interactions and other plasma phenomena in heliospheric environments. The successful candidate will collaborate with SPG group members and seek to develop an independent research program. This position will include data analysis or simulation/modeling investigations using data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission (PSP), and the Van Allen Probes mission, to address fundamental questions about wave-particle interactions and other space plasma phenomena.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• The applicant is expected to carry out analysis of data from the Parker Solar Probe and Van Allen Probes spacecraft.
• Analysis of plasma wave data and comparison of data with predictions from plasma wave theory for both ion acoustic waves and whistler-mode plasma waves.
• The applicant is expected to write scientific publications based on this data analysis and attend conferences to present recent work to the broader scientific community.
• The applicant may supervise undergraduate students.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Onsite presence required at least 4 days per week.
• The position is 1 year, extendable for 1 additional year pending acceptable performance during the first year.

What We Can Offer

• $ 86,800.00 - $ 94,300.00 per year.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related field.

What You Will Need

• Experience in scientific programming, Python preferred.
• Experience conducting research on plasma wave physics in the space environment.
• Demonstrated experience creating clear and concise scientific writing for publication.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience conducting research on VLF plasma waves in Earth's inner magnetosphere.
• Demonstrated experience examining spacecraft data from plasma wave instruments.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.
3. Optional: Reference Letter (Not Confidential)

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: 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. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 9/17/2026 for consideration.

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.