• Professional Research Assistant

    University of Colorado (Boulder, CO)


    Professional Research Assistant

    **Requisition Number:** 68285

    **Location:** Boulder Colorado

    **Employment Type:** Research Faculty

    **Schedule:** Full Time

    **Posting Close Date:** 31-Oct-2025

    Date Posted:

    Job Summary

    The Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR) at CU Boulder is seeking a Professional Research Assistant (PRA) to report directly to the Principle Investigator (PI) who is managing multiple federally funded projects. The PRA will assist with the processing and analysis of remote sensing data, geospatial analysis and mapping, research support and documentation, equipment maintenance, and field logistical support and planning.

     

    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

     

    We are a research group within the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR) that focuses on optical remote sensing of surface processes in the cryosphere and terrestrial environments.

     

    What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

    Processing and Analysis of Remote Sensing Data:

    + Preprocess, calibrate, and analyze multispectral and hyperspectral satellite and UAV imagery.

    + Derive quantitative products (e.g., reflectance indices, surface classification) for radiative forcing studies.

    + Maintain and organize large quantities of data.

    + Develop and adapt Python scripts to interface with and analyze remote sensing imagery.

    Geospatial Analysis and Mapping:

    + ArcGIS Pro and associated geospatial tools for raster-based analysis, spatial statistics, and cartographic visualization.

    + Integrate datasets (imagery, field observations, and ancillary GNSS and elevation data) into spatial analyses.

    + Generate figures and maps for publications and reports.

    Research Support and Documentation:

    + Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, including drafting methods and results sections, generating figures, and assisting with revisions.

    + Conduct literature reviews to identify and apply relevant analytical methods.

    + Document processing workflows so work is reproducible and understandable.

    + Assist with annual report preparation for federally funded awards and field campaigns.

    Equipment Maintenance, Management and Field Logistical Support and Planning:

    + Maintain field equipment. Insure it is properly functioning prior to field campaigns and properly stored after field campaigns.

    + Determine permitting needs for UAV operations and assist with obtaining appropriate permits, as necessary.

    + Handle shipping of field equipment and hazardous cargo (i.e., drone batteries, large drone cases, etc).

     

    If remote eligible, the candidate will be responsible for providing reliable professional communication and reporting to the PI. They will need to maintain organized records of hours and tasks completed, provide daily (less formal) and weekly (more formal) progress updates to supervisor, and participate in regular check-ins via Zoom and email with PI and research team.

    What You Should Know

    + This appointment will **not** support a J1 or H-1B visa sponsorship.

    + Remote Work Eligibility and Communication: Position can be performed remotely. Regular duty tracking will be maintained through daily updates (i.e., progress demonstrated via shared documents) and weekly written updates to the PI. Regular virtual check-ins (email, or scheduled video calls). Reliable internet access required for communication and data transfer.

     

    What We Can Offer

     

    The salary range for this position is $47,000 - $49,000 annually.

     

    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 ambitious. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

    What We Require

    + Bachelor's degree in a related science or engineering discipline.

    + Basic proficiency with scientific programming languages like Python, or Matlab, as well as geospatial and image processing software like ArcGIS, AgiSoft Metashape, and/or ENVI.

    What You Will Need

    + Experience generating data with sensors and imagers mounted on UAVs in remote environments like Antarctica and Greenland.

    + Advanced proficiency or remote sensing data analysis with scientific programming languages like Python, or Matlab, as well as geospatial and image processing software like ArcGIS, AgiSoft Metashape, and/or ENVI.

    + Demonstration of producing publishable results such as through co or lead-authorship on peer-reviewed manuscripts.

     

    Special Instructions

    To apply, please submit the following materials:

    1. **Current Resume/CV**

    2. **Cover Letter**

    3. _(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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

     

    One letter of recommendation will be required from the final candidate. Please email your letter to our Senior HR Coordinator, Melissa Flores, at [email protected]. Letters of recommendation are considered confidential.

     

    Please apply by **October 31, 2025** for full consideration.

     

    _Note:_ Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs (https://jobs.colorado.edu/) .

     

    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/Professional-Research-Assistant/68285 (https://apptrkr.com/6684520)

     

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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.