NCAR

Research Scientist - Micrometeorology

Posted on: 19 Sep 2023

Boulder, CO

Job Description

Job Description Summary:

This dynamic role supports the Integrated Surface Flux System (ISFS), a cutting-edge tower-based measurement system used to explore turbulence in our atmosphere worldwide.

You'll be assisting researchers in utilizing ISFS to its full potential and collaborating with the ISFS team to ensure field projects meet research goals. As a key player in all aspects of ISFS field deployments, you'll interact with project scientists and participate in data quality control. In this role, you'll also play an active role in continuously improving measurements by reviewing sensor performance and evaluating new technologies. You will help to continuously push the capabilities of ISFS forward.

As an NCAR scientist, you'll have the opportunity to conduct and publish your own research, whether independently or in collaboration with other researchers. Your contributions will reach far beyond NCAR, as you'll have the chance to serve on professional committees, review papers and research proposals, and participate in global research initiatives.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Regular

Compensation Min - Mid Range:

119,418.00 USD - 149,272.00 USD

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

Application Notes

This is a Scientist III position and will be awarded after successfully completing the Scientific Review Process (ARG).

Application Deadline:

This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by 9/15/2023.

Required application materials:

Curriculum Vitae/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).

Additional REQUIREMENTS:

Must be: (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3).

Willingness to travel to remote field locations for periods of up to 3 weeks, 2-3 times per year.

Work Location: Some or all of the work in this position description must be performed on-site at UCAR campuses and/or remote field sites that are domestic and/or international.

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

What You Will Do

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

Field Project Support:  Supports all aspects of ISFS field projects including project planning, site selection, ISFS configuration, ISFS equipment preparation, ISFS deployment, real-time data monitoring, and creating data analysis products.

Scientific Research:  Carries out independent research, consistent with the NCAR Strategic Plan. This research often uses but is not limited to, data from ISFS field projects. Presents results by making presentations at national and international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Technical Research:  Investigates new sensor technologies, data analysis methods, or other ways to improve ISFS observations. 

Broader roles in the Support of the Laboratory:  Supports EOL and NCAR education and outreach, Supports workforce development activities including serving as a mentor and/or advisor.

Education and Experience REQUIRED:

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences or related discipline, 7-12 years of experience beyond Ph.D., with a strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and supervise junior and support staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality independent research in observational atmospheric sciences.

Advanced knowledge of turbulence in atmospheric flows -- especially the surface layer -- including the Surface Energy Budget, Navier-Stokes Equations, Turbulence Kinetic Energy budget equations and terms, semi-empirical relations to evaluate these terms, and the role of atmospheric stability, as well as the knowledge of how each of these terms can be measured in the field.

Advanced knowledge of the instrumentation and methods required to measure these terms in the field.

Demonstrated ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills including the proven ability to make presentations to audiences of various sizes and backgrounds.

Demonstrated ability to perform collaborative research.

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

14 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.

NCAR

Boulder, CO

NCAR was established by the National Science Foundation in 1960 to provide the university community with world-class facilities and services that were beyond the reach of any individual institution.

More than a half-century later, we are still delivering on that mission. NCAR provides the atmospheric and related Earth system science community with state-of-the-art resources, including supercomputers, research aircraft, sophisticated computer models, and extensive data sets.

NCAR's in-house staff of preeminent researchers and engineers works with community collaborators to ensure that these resources and facilities are capable of meeting the demands of today's greatest scientific challenges. Our scientists also delve into fundamental research questions, producing a wealth of scientific publications that help lead the way for the broader Earth system science community.

NCAR also provide rich education and outreach opportunities, from fellowships for early career scientists to free public lectures to scientific workshops.

Since our inception as NSF's first federally funded research and development center, we have been managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities. Our headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado, with additional facilities in Wyoming and Hawaii.

Vision & Mission

The NCAR Vision: 

A world-class research center leading, promoting and facilitating innovation in the atmospheric and related Earth and Sun systems sciences

The NCAR Mission:

To understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related Earth and geospace systems
To support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally
To foster the transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth

  • Industry
    Research and Development
  • No. of Employees
    1,000 - 5,500
  • Jobs Posted
    236