CIRES / NOAA Global Systems Laboratory, Post Doctoral Associate in Numerical Weather Prediction

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work modality

Relocation funds

Transit benefits

Job summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in numerical weather prediction development, focused on microphysics, within NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory in Boulder, CO.

The candidate will work with federal and university staff to improve microphysics parameterizations for NWP and precipitation, and must have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in atmospheric science or related field.
• Experience with numerical weather prediction model development is preferred.
• Strong programming skills in scientific languages.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on improving microphysics parameterizations for NWP.
• Focus on precipitating phenomena and model realism.

Skills

Fortran/C++

Python

HPC

NetCDF/GRIB2

Education

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or related field

Tools

Linux

Job description

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences(CIRES) at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder)encourages applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate in numericalweather prediction (NWP) development (focused on microphysics)within NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) in Boulder, Colorado.The successful candidate will work in the Physics Branch of GSL’sEarth Prediction Advancement Division alongside a number of federaland university employees engaged in development of NWP products forresearch and operations with the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA). The successful candidate will use theirexpertise in NWP (preferably with additional expertise in cloudmicrophysics) to work collaboratively on model development,primarily focused microphysics parameterizations andprecipitation.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognizedleader in innovative environmental science and research and islocated at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than900 environmental science professionals work to understand thedynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with theplanet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas ofexpertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles,air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earthsciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring asustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societalunderstanding of the Earth system.

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL)

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research laboratories and is located in Boulder,Colorado. GSL researchers develop innovative weather and airquality models, state-of-the-science decision support tools andvisualization systems and use high-performance computing technologyto support a Weather-Ready Nation. GSL strives to advance itsworkforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We arealso committed to fostering a collaborative workplace and a strongfoundation for career growth.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Conduct hypothesis-driven research to improve the physicalfidelity, accuracy, and/or efficiency of microphysicsparameterizations within numerical weather prediction models,particularly as it relates to precipitating phenomena (60%).
• Collaborate with the lead microphysics parameterizationdeveloper and other physics parameterization developers within thebranch to inform future development activities (20%).
• Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of briefingmaterials and presentations for branch management, internalmeetings, conferences, and workshops, and regularly publishscientific content (15%).
• Perform other relevant duties as necessary (5%).

What You Should Know

• This is a two-year appointment.
• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Givenproject deliverables, candidates must be eligible for full-timework and pass a federal clearance background check by the targetedstart date of December 1, 2026.
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University ofColorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the NOAAlaboratory facility at the David Skaggs Research Center, 325Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• If you are the finalist, you will be required to pass a federalbackground check. Non-US citizens without green cards will havelimited building access and require a federal escort in thebuilding.
• Travel to workshops and conferences (domestically and possiblyinternationally) is expected at least once per year.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES offers a generous compensation package
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
• This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
• Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses,following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocationprocesses and procedures.
• University of Colorado Boulder offers a robust trainingcurriculum, opportunities for professional development and aMentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrant community withaccess to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers,lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sportsvenues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to theregional public transit system, anoutstanding network of buses and light rail systems that serviceBoulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surroundingcommunities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be brilliant. Be supportive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a relevant field of study(the defense and thesis revisions must be successfully completed bythe targeted start date of December 1, 2026).

What You Will Need

• Proficiency with numerical weather and/or climateprediction.
• Proficiency in Fortran and/or C++, Python, high-performancecomputing, and Linux computing environments.
• Strong skills with data processing (e.g., of standardweather-model data formats such as NetCDF and GRIB2) andvisualization of model output.
• A willingness to collaborate with the developers of relevantphysical parameterizations that interact with microphysics in thebranch, across NOAA, and in the broader community to improve thephysical consistency within a physics parameterization suite.
• The ability to work as part of a team of diverse scientists,researchers, developers, engineers, and staff in a researchenvironment.
• The ability to optimally communicate and collaborate within thebranch, division, lab, and broader community.
• The ability to consistently promote, support, work, and act ina manner in support of CIRES’ vision, mission and values.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required andpreferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply evenif they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined inthis section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for thework, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job trainingfor any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to theposition.

• Experience using and/or developing microphysicalparameterizations (including bin, bulk, Lagrangian) in a numericalweather or climate model with a specific focus on understanding,improving, or developing microphysical parameterizations usingrelevant observations.
• Enthusiasm for conducting innovative numerical weatherprediction model development to improve their physical realism andpredictive skill for relevant forecast problems, including heavyprecipitation, thunderstorms and their hazards, fog, freezing rain,aircraft icing, tropical cyclones, atmospheric rivers, lake-effectsnow, and/or orographically induced precipitation.
• Knowledge of basic statistical learning techniques (such asneural networks).
• Experience participating in and/or working with observationsfrom relevant field campaigns.
• Experience with community modeling approaches for numericalweather prediction, including developing physics parameterizationsin an interoperable way such that they can be used with multiplehost models.

Please apply by October 8, 2026 for consideration.