INFORM COMPASS Postdoc

  • Boulder
  • National Center For Atmospheric Research
Job Description Summary:
NSF NCAR's Climate and Global Dynamics (CGD) Laboratory is excited to announce the job opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow in their Atmospheric Modeling and Prediction (AMP) Section. This position will focus on the INtegrating Field Observations and Research Models initiative to create a research infrastructure that integrates modeling and observing facilities to provide: a highly effective framework and community-ready tools to assess and improve the capabilities of modeling and observing systems; more effectively design and execute field campaigns; and accelerate scientific discovery through access to data, tools, and establishment of best practices.

This will be a highly collaborative project between the incumbent and the COMPASS team. The incumbent is expected to contribute significantly to the design and development of the project, present results at scientific meetings, and prepare peer-reviewed publications. More information about CGD can be found online at https://www.cgd.ucar.edu/.

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:

Salary $80,480

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

Application Notes

Application Deadline:
  • This position will be posted until Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 11:59 PM MT.
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)

    o Please describe your most rewarding research project. Describe your role, the team, and any innovative technical aspects that resulted in the project's success.

    o Please describe your experience collaborating between diverse research communities, such as observation and modeling communities.

    o We at NSF | NCAR/UCAR value an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged and welcomed to contribute to the organization's mission. Please provide an example of how you have helped to foster an inclusive work environment.
  • Three professional references with contact information (email and phone) will be requested of candidates later.
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.

Relocation Assistance may be available to eligible hire; must be discussed at time of offer.

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
  • Perform Community Earth System Model and Single Column Atmosphere Model simulations necessary for establishing best practices for model setup and assessment against field campaign observations that target multiple components of the Earth system model. Manages large datasets, develops diagnostic code under standard version control systems, and shares code with broader community (for example by contributing to community diagnostic packages).
  • Collaborate with observational and model experts to co-design instrument simulators, contextualize observational datasets, determine observation uncertainties, and investigate representativeness errors in observational datasets needed to assess aerosol-cloud interactions. Acquires observational data from online archives as necessary.
  • Engage with model development scientists on incorporating new COMPASS diagnostics in model development practices, including the implementation and testing of new parameterizations.
  • Present results at relevant scientific meetings, leads and participates in writing scientific journal articles that document findings of the project, and contributes to formal reports related to the project.
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):

A Ph.D. or equivalent experience in atmospheric/climate sciences or similar discipline; demonstrated understanding of climate science; research experience in a relevant field, with contributions to refereed journals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required/Desired)

REQUIRED
  • Expertise in modeling and/or observations of aerosol-cloud interactions and/or other Earth system processes.
  • Expertise working with large geophysical datasets, including climate model output and/or field campaign datasets.
  • Demonstrated understanding of atmospheric science, convection, cloud microphysics, and/or aerosol physics.
  • Strong computation/programming skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, especially for scientific publications and presentations.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse team of modelers, observationalists, and software engineers.
DESIRED:
  • Familiarity with the Community Earth System Modeling
  • Familiarity with aircraft-, ground-, and/or ship-based field campaign observations of aerosol, clouds, and meteorology
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!

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.