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CIRES/NOAA PSL Land Data Assimilation Research Scientist or Post-Doctoral Associate
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Position Number: 5190153
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

CIRES/NOAA PSL Land Data Assimilation Research Scientist or Post-Doctoral Associate

Requisition Number: 53677
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 08-Feb-2024
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) has an exciting opportunity for a Land Data Assimilation Scientist to join our team based at the NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory in Boulder, CO, to work on a new snow analysis for NOAA's global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) system. The successful candidate will develop an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF)-based snow temperature and snow depth analysis, and then test the impact of the new snow analysis on NWP forecast skill, in weakly and strongly coupled (land/atmosphere) experiments, before making recommendations for potential future implementations of the EnKF-based snow analysis in NOAA's operational NWP systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on core NOAA data assimilation science/research, while also contributing directly to NOAA's operational land data assimilation capabilities.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 950 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including peoples relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earths poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

At the NOAA-Physical Sciences Laboratory, our mission is to conduct scientific research to observe, understand, model, predict and forecast weather, water and climate extremes and their impacts. Our vision is an informed society that uses science-based environmental intelligence to effectively anticipate and respond to threats and opportunities related to weather, water, and climate extremes. Our research goals are as follows:

Rigorously characterize and predict weather, water, and climate extremes and their uncertainties to support NOAA's mission.
Develop new process understanding, observing, and modeling capabilities to predict conditions associated with too much or too little water for early warning, preparedness, resource management, and adaptation.
Improve monitoring and prediction of weather, climate, and water conditions impacting marine resources.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

For All Applicants (Post-doc and Research Scientist):

Conduct innovative research contributing to snow data assimilation methodology.
Contribute to the land data assimilation capabilities of the Joint Center of Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA)'s Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) software platform.
Investigate the impact of land data assimilation on forecasts of land and atmospheric variables.
Communicate research findings through internal documentation, and/or appropriate conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities for a Research Scientist:

Work with partners throughout NOAA to provide expert advice, and collaborate on work related to land data assimilation.
Take a leadership role in formulating and under-taking future research related to land data assimilation at NOAA.

What You Should Know

This position will be filled at the Post-Doctoral Associate or at the Research Scientist level, depending on the candidates qualifications.
This is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAA-Physical Sciences Laboratory in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
If you are selected for this position you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access. Non-US citizens without green cards are welcome to apply but may have limited building access, and require an escort in the building.
Normal working hours will be observed except for occasional irregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshops conducted at remote sites.
This position can support a hybrid work modality (i.e., be partially remote).

What We Can Offer

CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $63,000 - $70,000 for a postdoc scientist, and $68,000 - $100,000 for a Research Scientist. Salary is commensurate with experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorados relocation processes and procedures.
Flexible work setting (hybrid work modality).
CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connecting to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be groundbreaking. Be unique. Be Boulder.

What We Require

For All Applicants:

A PhD, in an applicable science, mathematics, or engineering field.

For a Research Scientist:

At least one-year relevant experience beyond the PhD.

What You Will Need

In-depth knowledge of at least one of data assimilation, land surface modeling, and remote sensing of land surface properties.
Working knowledge of at least one of Fortran, C++, and python.
The ability to work both within a team environment and conduct research independently.
Desire and ability to work in an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
Good oral and written communication skills in English.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit information for 5 professional references (must include at least 2 supervisors). If you are identified as a finalist for this role, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a SkillSurvey questionnaire on your behalf. SkillSurvey is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the search committee members.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

Please apply by February 8, 2024 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-PSL-Land-Data-Assimilation-Research-Scientist-or-Post-Doctoral-Associate/53677