Job Description Summary: The Postdoctoral Fellow contributes to ongoing research activities within NCAR’s Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) and Computational and Information Systems (CISL) laboratories related to assimilating satellite retrievals using the Atmospheric Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) coupled with the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble data assimilation system. This position is expected to develop or extend the interface for satellite data assimilation in MPAS/DART and perform Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) studies to examine the potential impact of dense cloud top temperature (CTT) observations.

The Postdoctoral Fellow interacts with NCAR scientists, staff, and other postdoctoral fellows to achieve the research goal over the position’s two-year term. This position will be encouraged to present at scientific conferences, publish scientific papers, and pursue professional development activities.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)

Compensation Range:

$76,650

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Notes

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59 PM MT, Monday, September 23, 2024. Applications will not be accepted past this date.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

• Resume

• Questionnaire - answered within the application. See prompts below:

• Please describe your experience with either data processing or data assimilation for satellite retrievals, including the challenges you faced and how you addressed them.

• Please describe your knowledge and/or experience with ensemble data assimilation and forecasting. How have these techniques been applied in your research?

• Can you share an experience where you received conflicting input or guidance on your research? How did you navigate that situation?

• Professional or Academic Reference - may be requested, if selected to interview

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs) .

Work Location: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of in-person and remote) opportunities. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct independent and collaborative research for OSSE studies with the assimilation of satellite retrievals.

• This may include developing a data processing tool and improving the interface to the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) within MPAS/DART, as needed.

Design & Conduct Experiments

• Design and conduct cycling experiments to demonstrate the impact of cloud top temperature (CTT) and analyze the results with scientific interpretation.

Prepare Results & Reports

• Prepare research results for presentation at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Assist with the preparation of reports or project progress reports as needed.

  Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

• PhD degree in atmospheric science, computer science, statistics, or a related area

• PhD must be earned in the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Advanced understanding of satellite meteorology or cloud microphysics

• Basic understanding of data assimilation algorithms and ensemble forecasting.

• Demonstrated skill in scripting languages (e.g., python/shell), especially related to tests on supercomputers.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.

• Excellent time management and organization skills.

• Demonstrated and effective written and oral communication skills.

Desired, but not required:

• Demonstrated knowledge assimilating remote sensing data.

• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite retrieval process.

• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction modeling.

  Benefits Overview

  UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits) . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

  Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan (https://www.ucar.edu/sites/default/files/documents/related-links/2020-12/ODEI_StrategicPlan_Final.pdf) and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace (https://www.ucar.edu/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion) site.

  Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

  Commitment to Job Application Fairness

  Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

  Some Final Considerations

  At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.