• Job Description

  Req#: REQ-2024-80

  Job Description Summary:

  Performs research to advance understanding of high-impact weather from seasonal to climate scales and builds relationships between NCAR with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Research will use a suite of tools and datasets such as storm-scale numerical weather prediction models, ensemble global climate model simulations, observational datasets, and machine learning algorithms to generate new understanding of high-impact weather in a changing climate. MSI engagement will pursue MSI-led research opportunities, and support organization-wide efforts to grow meaningful connections. Work is performed as a member of a team under the general guidance of a scientific leader, and the incumbent is expected to take a lead role in portions of the research and MSI engagement.

  Position Details:

  Visa Sponsored Job:

  No

  Relocation Assistance Eligible:

  No

  Job Location:

  Boulder, Colorado

  Position Type & Term:

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

  Compensation Range:

  Salary Range $92,103 - $115,128 (Please note these amounts will be adjusted down to a 0.8 FTE schedule)

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

  Application Notes

  Application Deadline: Please submit your application by 11:59 PM MT on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

  Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

  • Questionnaire (included in application)

  Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
  Work Location: 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.

  • Conduct original research related to the multi-scale Earth system processes that drive high impact weather phenomena from subseasonal to climate scales. This includes developing and applying approaches to advance understanding of processes connecting severe convective storms across the US to their large-scale environment. Assess historical and future trends in convective storm behavior in the context of uncertainties. Independently determine and develop approaches to solutions. As part of a team, work with stakeholders in climate risk management to ensure the fundamental research is usable and useful for risk management applications.

  • Serve as lead or contributing author on scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and on project reports as needed. Share methods to create capacity for community investigations into weather-climate connections. Present results to funding agencies and at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and symposia.

  • Contribute to on-going implementation and development of NCAR/MMM priority research areas into High-Impact Weather from Subseasonal to Climate Scales. This includes assisting in the development of funding proposals with staff within MMM, across NCAR, and the university community. Serve as Co-PI on relevant externally funded projects.

  • Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Engagement: Coordinate with NCAR DEI and MSI Engagement team to support organization wide efforts toward increased meaningful connection with MSIs. These efforts include participation/support of training for staff going on visit opportunities at MSIs. Participate in NCAR DEI team efforts for expansion of knowledgeable MSI Ambassadors (visitors) through information sessions, preparation of materials, and/or evaluation of visit programs.

  • Coordinating and participating in visits to MSIs to share research and student opportunities with interested students, staff, and faculty at MSIs. Identify follow up opportunities to maintain relationships developed during these visits, contribute to metrics development to measure success of engagement, and connect to other ongoing opportunities across NCAR.

  • Pursue MSI-led research opportunities through relationship building with MSIs. Serve as a collaborator on project and proposal development as appropriate. Connect MSI PIs to other colleagues at NCAR to support their research endeavors.

  
  Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

  Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
  Education and Experience (Required/Desired):

  • Requires PhD in atmospheric science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in high-impact weather in a changing climate.

  • Experience working at or partnering with MSIs and communities that are historically marginalized in the sciences.

  • Desired but not required: Knowledge of machine learning techniques applied to weather and climate problems.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required/Desired)

  • Comprehensive fundamental knowledge of the environments of severe weather.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of numerical weather and climate modeling systems, including WRF or MPAS and severe weather diagnostics applied to climate change problems.

  • Demonstrated skill in modern Fortran programming, shell scripting and python.

  • Comprehensive knowledge and skill in processing and visualizing big data on high-performance machines.

  • Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with external partners.

  • Skill in working independently and as part of a team.

  • Skill in developing and implementing project plans to meet goals, objectives, and deadlines for deliverables

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, both within field of expertise and across disciplinary boundaries

  Benefits Overview

  UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive 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 and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace 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!

  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.

• About the company

  University Corp. for Atmospheric Research, nonprofit consortium of 115+ universities fostering innovation in Earth system science. Research news: @NCAR_Science

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