Job Description

Job Description Summary:

UCAR is excited to announce the COSMIC Project Scientist I job opening. This position will conduct basic and applied research in the application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) remote sensing for Earth science, with an emphasis on GNSS reflectometry (GNSS R) and GNSS radio occultation (GNSS RO). The PS I also works to develop and improve retrieval algorithms, and operational data products, conducts science application research, and pursues opportunities for new research and missions. PS I may support GNSS radio occultation research and operations and may serve as principal investigator and project lead or co-investor. Manages and/or mentors staff as appropriate. The PS I will regularly publish in peer-reviewed publications presented at scientific conferences and represent UCAR within the broader research community.

The UCAR COSMIC Program has been a leader in the retrieval and scientific application of GNSS, e.g. GPS, data since UCAR led the GPS/MET GPS radio occultation (RO) mission in the mid 1990s. It contributed to the design, management, and operation of the FORMOSAT-3 / Constellation Observing System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC-1) mission from 2006 to 2020. The mission is still providing high-quality RO profiles that are having a significant positive impact on weather and space weather forecasting and research.

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:

$92,103 - $115,128

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

Application Notes

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until Friday, March 15. Applications submitted past this date will not be considered.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

Resume

Questionnaire (to be completed within the application):

Briefly describe your research experience with GNSS reflectometry, GNSS radio occupation, and/or other precise GNSS applications.

When collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs), what key considerations/factors do you believe are crucial for success? ?

What factors do you believe are most important to take into consideration when communicating with sponsors/stakeholders?

Background checks are conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person and hybrid (combination of in-person and remote) opportunities. 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 summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Pursue independent and collaborative research that includes GNSS reflectometry, GNSS radio occultation, and other precise GNSS applications. Topics may include but are not limited to receiver design and signal tracking, observational modeling and simulation, retrieval algorithm development for atmospheric, land, sea, and ice applications, calibration of observations, and validation of retrieved products with independent observations. 

Participate in planning future satellite missions.

Work with the COSMIC Data Analysis and Archive Center team to develop, improve, monitor, and maintain the data processing system generating data products for operations and research users. Includes associated software development, improvements, validation, and maintenance.

Communicate research results through publication in peer-reviewed journals, science conferences, and presentations at external and internal scientific and programmatic meetings.

Lead and participate in the development of scientific proposals.

Participate in education and outreach activities to outside organizations and institutions. 

Manage and/or mentor project staff to meet the needs of research projects. 

Conduct independent and collaborative scientific research, as well as basic and applied research in support of precise GNSS applications.

Require independent judgment in selecting appropriate algorithms/techniques/methods related to new research activities and in the generation of operational data products. 

Represent UCAR to external organizations.

Debug and develop creative algorithms and software solutions to processing problems of a complex analysis system.

Set priorities and balance multiple demands from inside UCAR and outside data users.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

Ph.D. in a relevant science including Physics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired, but not required:

One year of experience in the scientific field of specialization.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of GNSS-R and/or GNSS-RO retrieval methods.

Understanding of statistical analysis methods.

Strong programming skills in at least two of Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C/C++.

Knowledge of UNIX / Linux operating systems.

Demonstrated skill in conducting research projects.

Skill in independently creating solutions to complex problems, project planning, and management.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective scientific collaborations inside and outside the organization.

Ability to write proposals for research opportunities, and scientific manuscripts, and effectively present results in seminars and conferences.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to work independently, as part of a team, in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

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