Senior Director for Science

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.

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.

Shape national and international scientific agendas through leadership and participation in panels, advisory bodies, and public-facing communications.

Serve 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

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.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Scientific expertise in multiple of LASP’s scientific and technical disciplines.
• Prior experience in senior leadership roles within research institutes, universities, or space mission organizations.
• Experience interacting with federal research agencies such as NASA, NOAA or NSF.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term scientific strategy.
• Experience managing faculty or research scientist career-track systems.
• Strong commitment to fostering a multi-disciplinary and inclusive scientific community.

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.