CIRES / NOAA NCEI Geomagnetism MagMapper Associate Scientist (Server & Data Engineer)
Requisition Number: 71218
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 17-Apr-2026
Date Posted:
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Associate Scientist (Professional Research Assistant) to support server-side development and data engineering for the MagMapper project, a Department of Energy (DoE)-funded citizen science initiative to crowdsource the detection and mapping of undocumented orphan wells using smartphone magnetometers. The MagMapper platform consists of a mobile application, a cloud-based server backend on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), machine-learning quality control pipelines, and GIS data integration services.
The successful candidate will serve as the primary server-side developer, maintaining and extending the MagMapper backend infrastructure, implementing data quality control automation, building data interfaces for federal partners, and supporting the public-facing data visualization pipeline through ESRI ArcGIS. This is a critical role ensuring the operational continuity and scientific integrity of citizen-contributed geophysical data as the project enters its second year of operations.
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 (https://cires.colorado.edu/) is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 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.
NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/) is responsible for hosting and providing access to one of the most significant archives on Earth, with comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric, and geophysical data. From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun and from million-year-old sediment records to near real-time satellite images, NCEI is the Nation's leading authority for environmental information.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Maintain and extend the MagMapper server backend on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including Cloud Run services, Cloud SQL databases, Cloud Storage, and Firebase integration. (25%)
Implement and deploy the machine-learning quality control (QC) pipeline using Google Vertex AI to automatically validate citizen-submitted magnetic survey data, images, and field notes. (20%)
Develop and maintain server-side APIs and data interfaces, including GeoJSON export endpoints, data feeds for ESRI ArcGIS web map integration, and a data access interface for the Department of Energy. (20%)
Implement server-side push notification infrastructure to communicate survey results, achievements, and quality feedback to mobile app users. (10%)
Maintain and enhance the Looker-based analytics dashboard for privileged users and project administrators. (10%)
Provide ongoing server maintenance, bug fixes, security updates, dependency management, and monitoring. (10%)
Document server architecture and train incoming team members to ensure knowledge transfer and project continuity. Perform other relevant duties as necessary. (5%)
What You Should Know
This is a term-limited, 50% (20 hours per week) appointment. This appointment is expected to end on September 30, 2026.
The targeted start date for this position is May 4, 2026.
Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role. Candidates must be able to work legally in the U.S. by the start date.
This position is rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder and is physically situated at the David Skaggs Research Center (DSRC), 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
What We Can Offer
CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this 50% position is $32,500 to $33,000 (equivalent to $65,000 to $66,000 at 1.0 FTE). Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality and may be approved for fully remote at the supervisor's discretion.
The University of Colorado Boulder offers a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder (https://bouldercolorado.gov/) is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, (https://www.rtd-denver.com/) an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/) , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) 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 (https://advantage.cu.edu/campus/cu-boulder) program.
Be Statements
Be challenged. Be fun. Be Boulder.
What We Require
Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field. Candidates graduating with a bachelor's degree by May 1, 2026, will be considered.
At least 1 year of experience in server-side software development, cloud infrastructure management, or backend engineering, which may include experience gained during academic projects or student employment.
What You Will Need
Proficiency in server-side development with Python and/or Node.js .
Expertise with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services, including Cloud Run, Cloud SQL, Cloud Storage, and Firebase.
Expertise designing and implementing RESTful APIs and working with JSON/GeoJSON data formats.
Familiarity with relational databases (PostgreSQL or MySQL) and SQL.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
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 needed at the time of application, please be ready to submit contact information for 3 professional references (1 of whom must have been a professor or supervisor) who will be willing to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
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.
This position will close April 17, 2026 .
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs (https://www.colorado.edu/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-NCEI-Geomagnetism-MagMapper-Associate-Scientist-Server-Data-Engineer/71218 (https://apptrkr.com/7083627)
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
