Apply at: https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Foothills-Lab-4/Research-Scientist---Senior-Research-Scientist_REQ-2021-152-1
Location: Boulder, CO.
Type: Full-time, exempt.
Position Term: Regular, no term.
Application Deadline: This position will be posted Thursday, July 22nd.
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position.
Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will sponsor a work visa to fill this position.
Salary:
Hiring Range $112,563 - $140,703
Full Salary Range $112,563 - $140,703 - $182,915
Senior Level
Hiring Range $139,838 - $174,797
Full Salary Range $139,838 - $174,797 - $227,236
Benefits: UCAR affirms its continuing commitment to developing, providing, and administering its employee benefit programs with due consideration for equal employment opportunity and diversity guidelines. UCAR's rich package of employee benefits includes medical, dental, vision, education assistance, retirement, and life insurance. UCAR offers a variety of programs designed to assist with work-life balance including flexible work alternatives, paid time off and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
Where You Will Work:
The JCSDA is a multi-agency research center, hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and UCAR Community Programs (UCP), committed to improving and accelerating the quantitative use of research and operational satellite data in weather, ocean, climate and environmental analysis and prediction systems. The interagency partnership assimilates many types of data from conventional and satellite sources by creating integrated modeling systems. The JCSDA transitions this research to operational and university communities through a robust data infrastructure and open-source software.
What You Will Do:
This position is within the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) and provides a leadership role for the processing of observations in data assimilation. This position is tasked with advancing the state-of-the-art research in satellite data assimilation. This overarching goal has multiple elements that interconnect the fields of environmental science, numerical Earth system prediction, and satellite remote sensing. The incumbent will take the lead on the Unified Forward Operator (UFO) and Research Repository for Data and Diagnostics (R2D2) projects aiming at state-of-the-art capabilities for accelerated transition between community research and operations. Specific and direct collaboration is expected with research scientists from JCSDA partner agencies: NASA/GMAO, NOAA/NWS, NOAA/NESDIS, NOAA/OAR, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Oceanographer of the Navy, and the US Air Force 557th Weather Wing. Additional collaboration is expected with partners in academia, private sector, NCAR, and the Met Office.
The incumbent will serve as a Senior Science Lead and will plan, lead and conduct research related to observations, including data management, pre-processing, quality control, error estimation, bias correction, monitoring, and observation impact diagnostics. The incumbent will lead the effort on observations by accelerating the use of new instruments and advancing the assimilation of existing sensors.
This position is based in Boulder, Colorado with some possibility of remote working.
Responsibilities:
Provide scientific leadership on observations with the Executive Team of the JCSDA. Supervise the work of other team members, especially regarding the scientific strategy to improve the assimilation of observations.
Manage the corresponding JCSDA core projects concerned with implementing those elements. Serve as an expert and provide scientific guidance and support to the project teams to ensure that their work is coherent, based on best science, and consistent with overall JCSDA vision and goals.
Develop a long-term vision for JCSDA activities pertaining to observations that will enable JCSDA stakeholder agencies to attain world leadership in Earth system analysis and prediction, and climate reanalysis. Take responsibility for the observation-related elements of the JCSDA Annual Operating Plan, including annual and five-year targets. Lead and participate in the development of new funding proposals and reviews proposals and as a Principle Investigator. Liaise with JCSDA stakeholders as needed to understand and address their needs and requirements.
Authors, co-authors and reviews scientific articles and reports. Presents findings for the purposes of scientific meetings and publishing results in scientific journals. Quarterly reports to the JCSDA are expected as well as regular interaction with other members of the project. Represent JCSDA at science conferences and workshops in the US and worldwide.
DECISION MAKING & PROBLEM SOLVING - i.e., types of problems that are solved independently
In consultation with peers, develop innovative and ingenious solutions to very complex technical problems. The incumbent will work with minimal supervisory oversight and will periodically report to the Director of Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation.
What You Need:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Research Scientist (Project Scientist III)
Ph.D. in a relevant science, and at least ten years of experience working on data assimilation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Senior Research Scientist (Project Scientist IV)
Ph.D. in a relevant science, and at least 15 years of experience working on data assimilation plus expertise in project or program leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Research Scientist (Project Scientist III)
Required knowledge, skills, abilities:
Expert knowledge of data assimilation, weather forecasting or related fields.
Expert knowledge of the global observing system, its use in NWP and climate reanalysis, and satellite radiances.
Experience contributing to a large scientific code such as an operational weather forecast model.
Expert skill in independently planning and managing complex scientific projects.
Familiarity with the needs and requirements of JCSDA stakeholder agencies.
Excellent interpersonal skills, highly organized and detail-oriented.
Ability to work well within and lead a diverse, international, and multidisciplinary team.
National and internationally recognized contributions to data assimilation science reflected in a strong publication record.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Adept at communicating scientific findings to people with a range of technical backgrounds. Possesses advanced written communication skills to produce reports and publications to support findings.
Desired knowledge, skills, abilities:
Advanced knowledge of operational weather forecasting.
Experience writing and assessing scientific code. Desire to actively promote good software development practices.
Senior Research Scientist (Project Scientist IV)
In addition to the requirements for a Research Scientist
Required knowledge, skills, abilities:
Senior management experience.
Advanced ability to network with other federal and non-federal partners and stakeholders to build collaborations.
Expert skill in planning and managing complex projects including those involving multidisciplinary work and staff from across the institution.
Consistently demonstrates extremely high levels of technical knowledge, ingenuity and creativity.
Desired knowledge, skills, abilities:
Experience with building operational systems, services and products related to NWP and reanalysis.
Experience with high-performance computing, cloud computing, data archiving and data services.
Applicant Notes:
An Inclusion Statement will be required for all applicants candidates who move into the interview stage. This statement should address past efforts, as well as future vision and plans to advocate for and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the organization and/or field of work.
The position may require work-related travel to conferences, code sprints, and JCSDA partner organizations (pending Covid-19 related restrictions).
A cover letter is required with the submission of the application.
This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance or work authorization requirements.
Non-risk based position: A pre-employment screening is conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, performance records of internal candidates, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Location: Boulder, CO.
Type: Full-time, exempt.
Position Term: Regular, no term.
Application Deadline: This position will be posted Thursday, July 22nd.
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position.
Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will sponsor a work visa to fill this position.
Salary:
Hiring Range $112,563 - $140,703
Full Salary Range $112,563 - $140,703 - $182,915
Senior Level
Hiring Range $139,838 - $174,797
Full Salary Range $139,838 - $174,797 - $227,236
Benefits: UCAR affirms its continuing commitment to developing, providing, and administering its employee benefit programs with due consideration for equal employment opportunity and diversity guidelines. UCAR's rich package of employee benefits includes medical, dental, vision, education assistance, retirement, and life insurance. UCAR offers a variety of programs designed to assist with work-life balance including flexible work alternatives, paid time off and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
Where You Will Work:
The JCSDA is a multi-agency research center, hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and UCAR Community Programs (UCP), committed to improving and accelerating the quantitative use of research and operational satellite data in weather, ocean, climate and environmental analysis and prediction systems. The interagency partnership assimilates many types of data from conventional and satellite sources by creating integrated modeling systems. The JCSDA transitions this research to operational and university communities through a robust data infrastructure and open-source software.
What You Will Do:
This position is within the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) and provides a leadership role for the processing of observations in data assimilation. This position is tasked with advancing the state-of-the-art research in satellite data assimilation. This overarching goal has multiple elements that interconnect the fields of environmental science, numerical Earth system prediction, and satellite remote sensing. The incumbent will take the lead on the Unified Forward Operator (UFO) and Research Repository for Data and Diagnostics (R2D2) projects aiming at state-of-the-art capabilities for accelerated transition between community research and operations. Specific and direct collaboration is expected with research scientists from JCSDA partner agencies: NASA/GMAO, NOAA/NWS, NOAA/NESDIS, NOAA/OAR, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Oceanographer of the Navy, and the US Air Force 557th Weather Wing. Additional collaboration is expected with partners in academia, private sector, NCAR, and the Met Office.
The incumbent will serve as a Senior Science Lead and will plan, lead and conduct research related to observations, including data management, pre-processing, quality control, error estimation, bias correction, monitoring, and observation impact diagnostics. The incumbent will lead the effort on observations by accelerating the use of new instruments and advancing the assimilation of existing sensors.
This position is based in Boulder, Colorado with some possibility of remote working.
Responsibilities:
Provide scientific leadership on observations with the Executive Team of the JCSDA. Supervise the work of other team members, especially regarding the scientific strategy to improve the assimilation of observations.
Manage the corresponding JCSDA core projects concerned with implementing those elements. Serve as an expert and provide scientific guidance and support to the project teams to ensure that their work is coherent, based on best science, and consistent with overall JCSDA vision and goals.
Develop a long-term vision for JCSDA activities pertaining to observations that will enable JCSDA stakeholder agencies to attain world leadership in Earth system analysis and prediction, and climate reanalysis. Take responsibility for the observation-related elements of the JCSDA Annual Operating Plan, including annual and five-year targets. Lead and participate in the development of new funding proposals and reviews proposals and as a Principle Investigator. Liaise with JCSDA stakeholders as needed to understand and address their needs and requirements.
Authors, co-authors and reviews scientific articles and reports. Presents findings for the purposes of scientific meetings and publishing results in scientific journals. Quarterly reports to the JCSDA are expected as well as regular interaction with other members of the project. Represent JCSDA at science conferences and workshops in the US and worldwide.
DECISION MAKING & PROBLEM SOLVING - i.e., types of problems that are solved independently
In consultation with peers, develop innovative and ingenious solutions to very complex technical problems. The incumbent will work with minimal supervisory oversight and will periodically report to the Director of Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation.
What You Need:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Research Scientist (Project Scientist III)
Ph.D. in a relevant science, and at least ten years of experience working on data assimilation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Senior Research Scientist (Project Scientist IV)
Ph.D. in a relevant science, and at least 15 years of experience working on data assimilation plus expertise in project or program leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Research Scientist (Project Scientist III)
Required knowledge, skills, abilities:
Expert knowledge of data assimilation, weather forecasting or related fields.
Expert knowledge of the global observing system, its use in NWP and climate reanalysis, and satellite radiances.
Experience contributing to a large scientific code such as an operational weather forecast model.
Expert skill in independently planning and managing complex scientific projects.
Familiarity with the needs and requirements of JCSDA stakeholder agencies.
Excellent interpersonal skills, highly organized and detail-oriented.
Ability to work well within and lead a diverse, international, and multidisciplinary team.
National and internationally recognized contributions to data assimilation science reflected in a strong publication record.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Adept at communicating scientific findings to people with a range of technical backgrounds. Possesses advanced written communication skills to produce reports and publications to support findings.
Desired knowledge, skills, abilities:
Advanced knowledge of operational weather forecasting.
Experience writing and assessing scientific code. Desire to actively promote good software development practices.
Senior Research Scientist (Project Scientist IV)
In addition to the requirements for a Research Scientist
Required knowledge, skills, abilities:
Senior management experience.
Advanced ability to network with other federal and non-federal partners and stakeholders to build collaborations.
Expert skill in planning and managing complex projects including those involving multidisciplinary work and staff from across the institution.
Consistently demonstrates extremely high levels of technical knowledge, ingenuity and creativity.
Desired knowledge, skills, abilities:
Experience with building operational systems, services and products related to NWP and reanalysis.
Experience with high-performance computing, cloud computing, data archiving and data services.
Applicant Notes:
An Inclusion Statement will be required for all applicants candidates who move into the interview stage. This statement should address past efforts, as well as future vision and plans to advocate for and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the organization and/or field of work.
The position may require work-related travel to conferences, code sprints, and JCSDA partner organizations (pending Covid-19 related restrictions).
A cover letter is required with the submission of the application.
This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance or work authorization requirements.
Non-risk based position: A pre-employment screening is conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, performance records of internal candidates, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).