Who We Are

Atmospheric & Space Technology Research Associates, L.L.C. (dba Orion Space Solutions) was born out of the vision for applying fundamental space physics knowledge to address real-world problems. Founded in 2005, and based in Louisville, Colorado, Orion Space Solutions is a leader in the “New Space” small satellite industry. We leverage our scientific and engineering expertise to develop unique solutions to address complex space physics challenges, including instrumentation, modeling capabilities, and data analytics; Orion Space Solutions turns science into data, data into knowledge. We are scientists, researchers, engineers, and businesspeople dedicated to solving global problems that affect how people live, work, and play on our planet and in space through applied science backed by empirical knowledge. If you want to be part of a highly collaborative team, work in an amazing environment surrounded by the best and the brightest, solving BIG problems for our planet, read on.

This Opportunity

Due to our growing success, we are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and dynamic Research Scientist (Post Doc) to join our team at our headquarters in Louisville, Colorado to support multiple ongoing projects with focus on Space Weather (ionospheric-thermospheric coupling and responses to terrestrial and solar inputs) and emphasis on the analysis of existent satellite- and ground-based data sets and the development of new observational techniques. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to lead the development of research proposals for new activities, execute funded projects, and share their accomplishments through conference participation and appropriate peer-reviewed literature. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to participate as Principal or Co-Investigators for future investigations in terrestrial and planetary Space Weather, with responsibility for leading and directing the work of multidisciplinary teams of scientists.

Your Impact

Ionosphere-Thermosphere Science (80%)

• Use data and models to study the thermosphere, its coupling to the ionosphere and to solar and lower atmospheric inputs.
• Communicate findings in technical writing through reports and peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Modify and write software using modern software coding standards and tools.
• Collaborate with teams of 2-10 people.
• Possible projects: thermospheric dynamics, ionospheric electrodynamics, ionosphere-thermosphere modelling, Mars’ ionosphere-thermosphere science, data assimilation, data science.

Business Development (20%)

• Assist in Business Development activities such as writing proposals, presenting at scientific conferences and workshops, and collaborating with scientific colleagues and industry partners outside of Orion.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: PhD in Ionospheric Physics, Thermospheric Physics, Atmospheric or Space Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.

• Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., IDL, Python) and developing high-quality and insightful visualization of scientific datasets.
• Familiarity with ground-based and space-based thermospheric and/or ionospheric data and data-base utilization.
• Familiarity with scientific data analysis and model-data comparison.
• Familiarity with both compiled and run-time programming languages.
• Strong communication skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed articles and oral presentations to audiences with widely varying degrees of sophistication and expertise, and through technical documents.
• Security clearance or ability to obtain one as needed.

Preferred

• Experience: 2 years beyond PhD, including demonstrated experience writing proposals to government sponsors and agencies.
• Other: experience in the use of common thermospheric and ionospheric data types (in situ and remotely sensed neutral and electron densities, GNSS TEC, and GNSS-RO), common climatological, physics-based, and assimilation software tools, cloud computing, running models on supercomputers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Health/dental/vision insurance packages.
• 401(k) benefits.
• A focus on staff development.
• An opportunity to join a successful, fast-growth organization – and put your thumb print on our future development.
• Compensation: $70,000 - $130,000 Annual (based on experience, skills, and equity within the department).

Application Deadline

Applications are open and continue until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should address their application to Dr. Federico Gasperini. The application should include 1 single PDF file with a cover letter indicating motivation, a resume with publication record, and a list of up to three professional references.

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We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for positions without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

As a government contractor we are subject to COVID-19 regulations.