What are the responsibilities and job description for the Space Operations Risk Assessment Specialist position at University of North Dakota?
Space Operations Risk Assessment Specialist
- 498169
- Remote
- Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
- Remote, North Dakota, United States
- Temporary Staff
- Closing on: Jun 17 2026
Salary/Position Classification
- 20 hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
- 20 hours per week
- 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
- Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes
Purpose of Position
The UND Computational Research Center is seeking a risk assessment specialist with expertise in statistical risk assessment, failure probability analysis, and Bayesian statistical methods capable of translating this expertise into spacecraft failure prediction and uncertainty quantification. This position will work with a larger research team to develop AI models for predicting spacecraft failure.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Work under the direction of the UND CRC Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Manager, and other designated researchers, to execute the following responsibilities:
- Conduct a literature review on Bayesian network applications in spacecraft reliability, failure analysis, and risk assessment
- Collect and curate failure data from relevant sources (e.g., spacecraft anomaly databases, mission reports, component reliability handbooks)
- Identify key failure modes, subsystems, and causal relationships to be represented in the Bayesian network
- Develop the network structure, including defining nodes, states, and dependencies in consultation with domain experts
- Elicit and estimate conditional probability tables from data, expert judgment, or hybrid approaches
- Implement and validate Bayesian network models using appropriate software (e.g., GeNIe, Netica, pgmpy, bnlearn)
- Perform inference, sensitivity analysis, and scenario testing to evaluate failure probabilities and identify critical contributors
- Document modeling assumptions, data sources, and limitations clearly and reproducibly
- Present results through regular progress meetings, written reports, and visualizations
- Contribute to manuscripts, conference papers, or technical reports as appropriate
- Collaborate with team members and incorporate feedback into iterative model refinement
Required Competencies
- Demonstrated understanding of statistical risk assessment and failure probability analysis.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors of Science degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Experience programming using R, Python, and/or MATLAB
- Experience developing Monte Carlo simulations
- Export Control Compliance:
This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be used in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. - Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters of Science degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Experience with Bayesian statistical methods
- Experience modeling rare, catastrophic failure events
- Experience developing AI models for assessing risk and failure prediction.
- Experience assessing risk and failure prediction for systems in remote, extreme physically inaccessible locations, such as a deep-sea environment or low-earth orbit.
- Experience using the GitHub collaborative software development platform.
To Apply
Please include resume/CV, cover letter, and other applicable documents to support you meet the minimum requirements and competencies.
Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST. Part-time/Temporary positions are posted for a minimum of 3 business days.
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Additional Information
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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.
Need help?
Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701.777.4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.
Confidentiality of Application Materials
Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.
EEO Statement
The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Clery Statement
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.