Job Details

Senior Director for Science

Position Number: 7242902
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Other Science

Senior Director for Science

Requisition Number: 72778
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 01-Aug-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Attention: This is a listing for visibility, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE. The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites nominations and applications for the newly created position of Senior Director for Science. The development of the position provides a unique opportunity to help define the future of one of the world's premier space research institutions.

As a key member of the laboratory's executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Director of LASP, the Senior Director for Science will shape LASP's long-term scientific vision, champion emerging research frontiers, cultivate scientific excellence across a multidisciplinary community, and help position the laboratory to lead the next generation of transformative discoveries and missions.

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

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Laboratory-Level Scientific Leadership

Foster a vibrant multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community of researchers within LASP's science division.
Provide strategic leadership for the scientific direction of LASP and advise the Director on all matters related to scientific institutional positioning.
Define, articulate, and implement LASP's long-term scientific vision.
Enable institutional strategy that ensures continued competitiveness in major research programs and space missions.
Guide the direction of major proposals, new research initiatives, and investment in capability development, including identification of LASP-internal leaders for these.
Oversee tenure-track faculty lines, including recruitment, retention, promotion, and salary structures, working with the Director.
Establish policies affecting the scientific workforce and oversee their implementation, such as hiring, evaluation, and promotion.
Make staffing decisions that provide leadership structure for the Science Division and oversight for LASP's faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and science students.
Facilitate cross-divisional collaboration across LASP's science, technical and operational teams.
Provide guidance to scientific teams facing leadership or organizational challenges.
Collaborate with divisional assistant directors to provide structures and policies that foster mentorship, growth, and career opportunities for LASP scientists.
Execute their own scientific research program with excellence.

External Scientific Leadership and Representation

Work closely with the Director to promote and advocate for LASP's scientific mission and programs, representing LASP science in interactions with university leadership, industry, federal agencies, and national and international scientific communities.
Strengthen LASP's leadership within the national and international space science community.
Shape national and international scientific agendas through leadership and participation in panels, advisory bodies, and public-facing communications.
Support the Director in serving as one of LASP's primary scientific representatives to NASA, NOAA, NSF, and federal agencies; National Academies panels and advisory bodies; international space agencies and global research partners; and commercial and philanthropic partners.
Promote the participation of LASP scientists in national and international leadership, identifying opportunities and providing mentoring.
Strengthen collaborations with CU Boulder departments, institutes, and external research organizations.

Plus other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $263,000 to $300,000, plus moving allowance. The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and ECO Pass.

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

Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, planetary science, solar physics, space physics, or related fields).
An internationally recognized record of scientific achievement and research leadership.
Leadership of major research programs, mission science teams, or research organizations.
Demonstrated success in scientific leadership, mentorship, and team development.
10+ years' experience with large interdisciplinary collaborations and complex research initiatives.
Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication of science at expert and layperson levels.

What You Will Need

Visionary scientific leadership.
A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
Strategic thinking and institutional perspective.
Commitment to mentoring and developing scientific talent.
Ability to represent LASP effectively across the national and international research landscape.

Special Instructions

DO NOT APPLY ON THIS SITE.

The University of Colorado and LASP have engaged Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of the Senior Director for Science. Craig Smith, Managing Partner and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Candidates should send their CV and letter of interest to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net. Nominations, recommendations, and inquiries should go to the same address. Every effort will be made to ensure candidate confidentiality. Applications received by August 1, 2026, will receive full consideration. The search process is confidential.

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/Senior-Director-for-Science/72778