CIRES/ NOAA Weather Prediction Center, Meteorological Developer

University of Colorado Boulder; Riverdale Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Relocation assistance

Training & mentorship

Transit pass

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder, CIRES, seeks a Research Associate (Research Scientist) to develop real-time ensemble-based forecast tools for heavy precipitation and mesoscale variables for the Weather Prediction Center. The role includes leading funded projects, training material development, and advancing R2O workflows with CIRES and WPC partners.

The position is based in Riverdale Park, MD with a possibility of hybrid work within the United States.

Qualifications

• PhD in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field required
• Experience applying statistical methods to large meteorological datasets such as GRIB/NetCDF

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and report on projects within research to operations.
• Identify and develop ensemble-based tools to aid forecast preparation.
• Maintain and enhance WPC's operational ensemble-based forecast tools.
• Lead a collaborative team to transition probabilistic forecast tools to operations.
• Develop training materials to assist users in deploying new tools.
• Submit proposals and contribute to publications; participate in workshops and conferences.

Skills

Python

Shell scripting

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Project leadership

Education

Doctoral degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field

Tools

GRIB

NetCDF

Linux

High-performance computing

Job description

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences(CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a ResearchAssociate (Research Scientist) to generate real-time ensemblecluster and sensitivity analysis tools from ensemble forecastdatasets related to heavy precipitation, temperature, and othermesoscale variables of interest to the Weather Prediction Center(WPC) for use by operational forecasters within the NationalWeather Service (NWS). Serving as principal investigator for afunded project, the Research Scientist will lead projects focusedon these forecast tools and analysis techniques through theresearch to operations (R2O) lifecycle. This will also include developing and disseminating training materials associated with probabilistic forecast tools, and assisting with ensemble postprocessing workflows for applying new products in NOAA Testbedexperiments. The Research Scientist will interact with Federal WPC staff, NOAA scientists and forecasters, CIRES employees working atWPC, and external partners within the academic community and NOAALabs such as Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) and Physical Systems Laboratory (PSL).

WPC is located in College Park, MD, within the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP). The NCWCP is a highlycollaborative environment containing several NOAA organizations,including the Office of Modeling and Development (OMD), Ocean andTsunami Center (OTC), and WPC’s Extended Prediction Division (EPD).This position performs novel research, transitions researchprojects to operations, serves as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on funded projects, and collaborates with external partners.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmentalscience and research and is located at the University of ColoradoBoulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental scienceprofessionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system,including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES haspartnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise includeweather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality andatmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, andmore. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainablefuture environment by advancing scientific and societalunderstanding of the Earth system.

The WeatherPrediction Center (WPC) provides national weather situationalawareness and precipitation expertise to enable readiness forhazardous weather events from seasons to minutes. WPC is the“Foundation of the Nation’s Weather Story,” providing NationalDecision Support products for Emergency Management, Aviation,Media, and the general public.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• (20%) Serve as Principal Investigator to plan, conduct, andreport on projects within research to operations.
• (35%) Identify and develop ensemble-based tools that willassist in the preparation of forecasts.
• (15%) Participate in the maintenance and enhancement of WPC’soperational ensemble-based forecast tools.
• (15%) Lead a collaborative team to develop and fully transitionto operations convection-allowing probabilistic forecast tools forshort-range weather hazards.
• (5%) Develop training materials to assist users in thetransition of new tools and approaches into operations.
• (10%) Submit proposals, lead and contribute through scientificpublications, collaborate with colleagues, and attend variousworkshops and conferences.

What You Should Know

• This is a two-year position with the possibility of extensionbased on the availability of funding.
• Applicants with a visa or requiring visa sponsorship now or inthe future will not be considered for this position.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in theUnited States on a full-time basis.
• The targeted start date is February 1, 2027.
• Normal working hours will be observed except for occasionalirregular hours during data collection or conferences/workshopsconducted at remote sites.
• The new hire will be employed by CIRES with technical oversightprovided by WPC management.
• This role works independently and determines action to be takenin handling all but unusual situations. The incumbent is expectedto serve as a leader of scientific or technical experiments,groups, or teams; therefore, strong teamwork and leadership skillsare vital.
• This role is based at the WPC in Riverdale Park, MD, but remotework within the United States will be considered.
• Selected finalists will be required to pass a federalbackground check for site access.

What We Can Offer

• CIRES can offer a generous compensation package.
• The annual hiring salary range for this position is $72,000-$93,992. Salary is commensurate with education and experience anddetermined based on our CIRES internal career trackclassification.
• 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.
• CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robusttraining curriculum, opportunities for professional development,and a Mentorship Program.
• Boulder is a vibrantcommunity with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles oftrails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters,museums, and sports venues.
• As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing freeaccess to the regional publictransit system , which is an outstanding network of buses andlight rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connectto Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed 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 Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's BestLarge Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

• medical,dental, and retirement plans
• generous paid time off
• tuitionassistance for you and your dependents
• an ECO Pass for localtransit
• Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be effective. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Doctoral degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, orrelated field.
• Candidates must have successfully defended their doctoraldissertation and completed all their dissertation revisions by thestart date.
• Experience working with, analyzing, and applying statisticalmethods to large meteorological datasets (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF).
• Experience working in Linux and high-performance computingenvironments.

What You Will Need

• Strong analytical and programming skills, including proficiencyin Python and shell scripting.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with theability to engage forecasters and incorporate their feedback intoproduct development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with theability to work effectively in a collaborative teamenvironment.
• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to a collaborative andsupportive work environment.
• Proficient project leadership skills, including planning,executing, and reporting scientific objectives.

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required skillsand desired skills, applicants do not need to have all of thedesired skills and experience to be considered for this position.If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work,along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged toapply. We provide on-the-job training for any additional skills orknowledge that become relevant to the position.

• A Doctoral degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related field, with at least one (1) year of post-Doctoralexperience.
• Experience applying statistical methods to extreme weatherevents.
• Experience with ensemble prediction systems and theirapplication to hazardous weather diagnosis and forecasting.Experience with ensemble clustering and sensitivity analysis.
• Experience with verification techniques, including objective,subjective, and object-based analysis tools. Demonstrated abilityto develop, implement, and maintain real-time productworkflows.
• Experience publishing first-author peer-reviewed manuscriptsand preparing competitive research Proposals.
• Experience serving as a PI or co-PI on grant-fundedprojects.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name:

Matthew Green

Posting Contact Email:

[e-mail]