CPAESS Scientist IV
UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
UCAR is seeking a Scientist IV to advance coupled ocean–sea ice data assimilation for the Global Forecast System, integrating Level 1b radiances and sea ice observations. The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with CPAESS and NOAA's OMD to improve forecast skill.
The position requires advanced education in a scientific discipline with substantial related experience, and offers a time-limited appointment with broad relocation and visa sponsorship options.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and many years of experience in a scientific field or Master’s with substantial experience; PhD with relevant experience also acceptable.
- Strong mentorship and communication skills with ability to lead interdisciplinary teams.
- Advanced knowledge of data analysis, modeling, and observational techniques.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute complex scientific investigations addressing interdisciplinary problems.
- Develop or refine models, algorithms, and observational techniques for data assimilation.
- Lead scientific components of projects, coordinating goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Apply advanced data analysis to extract insights and validate results.
- Contribute to publications, reports, and presentations; engage sponsors and stakeholders.
- Mentor staff and foster collaborative scientific growth.
- Support proposal development and strategic planning.
- Translate findings for diverse audiences and shape project direction.
- Lead development of tools and technologies for projects.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)
Yes
Yes
98,900.00 USD - 128,600.00 USD
- Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.
- Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.
2026-09-05
UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Scientist IV role with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) working with NOAA's Office of Model Development (OMD). This position will focus on enhancing coupled ocean and sea ice JEDI-based data assimilation system for the Global Forecasting System (GFS) by integrating critical marine observations. This may include transition from retrieved products to direct assimilation of Level 1b radiances for sea-surface-sensitive channels to improve atmosphere-ocean balance and sea surface temperature conditions, and integrating sea ice freeboard observations to address model biases and significantly improve sea-ice forecast skill.
CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community in three distinct areas of service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific programs we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees.
Designs and executes scientific projects of significant complexity, advancing understanding in theoretical, observational, and/or applied domains. Manages technical direction for projects, contributes findings in a variety of ways, and supports institutional and sponsor engagement. Provides mentorship, enhances research quality, and plays a part in shaping team and program outcomes. Engages in mission-aligned activities both within the organization and throughout the broader scientific community. Contributes through a combination of scientific expertise, professional service, and education and outreach efforts.
- Designing and executing complex scientific and/or technical investigations, to address complex, often interdisciplinary problems.
- Developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, experimental methods, observational techniques, or analytical tools, applying advanced technical principles and incorporating recent developments in the field.
- Leading or coordinating scientific components of projects or programs, including establishing goals, methodologies, timelines, and overseeing deliverables across internal and external collaborators.
- Applying advanced data analysis and interpretation techniques, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches to extract insights and validate results.
- Contributing to and/or co-leading peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, data sets, findings, proposals, and documentation, and presenting findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
- Supporting less experienced staff and team members by providing technical guidance, fostering scientific growth, and supporting collaborative working environments.
- Contributing to scientific proposal development and strategic planning.
- Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, translating complex scientific findings for diverse audiences and helping to shape project direction or programmatic priorities.
- Leading development of products, tools, instruments and/or technologies for projects and programs.
Typically requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree and 10 years related experience, or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a scientific discipline and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Has advanced knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and observational and/or modelling techniques in a primary discipline, with a sound understanding of related fields.
- Possesses good mentorship and interpersonal skills for supporting less experienced staff and fostering collaboration and scientific development.
- Is skilled in developing or refining scientific models, algorithms, techniques, or tools, with attention to technical accuracy, usability, and applicability.
- Possesses advanced skills in data analysis and synthesis, including statistical, computational, or simulation-based approaches using relevant tools or domain-specific platforms.
- Is capable of making contributions to strategic planning and proposal development, aligning research efforts with organizational goals and sponsor needs.
- Demonstrates the ability to lead components of scientific projects, manage deliverables, coordinate across collaborators, and contribute to successful outcomes.
- Is an effective communicator, capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and sponsor reports, and presenting results to scientific and non-technical audiences.
- Has a proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex scientific investigations using both established and evolving methodologies.
Work may be performed in a combination of office, laboratory, industrial, and research environments depending on project assignments. Office-based work typically involves maintaining concentration and focus on assigned tasks, extended periods of computer use, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, reviewing information on screens or documents, applying established protocols in a timely manner, communication with others regarding project assignments, and participating in meetings or collaborative activities.
This role and assigned projects may also include laboratory or field research activities that involve travel, work in variable environmental conditions such as weather and altitude (including extreme temperature changes, heat exposure, cold exposure, and other exposure to severe weather), and the use of specialized scientific instrumentation or equipment. Field assignments may occur in remote locations and may involve navigating uneven terrain, accessing elevated platforms, performing high-intensity manual tasks, or positioning oneself in constrictive spaces such as vehicles or aircraft.
Work may involve interaction with hazardous equipment and processes including electrical systems, heavy machinery, or chemicals that may lead to exposure to irritants or pollutants. Participation in workplace safety training is mandatory, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the assignment.
Staff assigned to this role are expected to follow all applicable safety policies and procedures and must not pose a threat to the safety or wellbeing of themselves or others. Employees must be able to perform all mental and physical requirements necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position and project assignments as outlined in the job description, which are considered essential functions of this position. All essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Significant experience with atmospheric or oceanic numerical modeling.
- Advanced knowledge of data assimilation methods, especially coupled data assimilation.
- Proficiency with JEDI or a similar data assimilation framework.
- Excellent scientific communication skills for documenting research findings and coordinating with partners.
- Advanced programming skills for scientific model development and data analysis.
Specific Responsibilities for this Role:
- Validation and Impact Assessment: Conducting rigorous validation of the global data assimilation system through an iterative process. This includes analyzing model output, and evaluating the impact of assimilation techniques on model biases to drive system improvements.
- System Configuration and Iterative Development: Developing and configuring the JEDI system for coupled data assimilation with GFS. This involves an iterative cycle of adding new observations to the data assimilation system (e.g., direct radiance assimilation for sea surface temperature, sea ice freeboard) and refining the system based on ongoing performance feedback.
- Documentation and Stakeholder Coordination: Documenting research findings and coordinating with stakeholders at NWS/OMD and partner agencies to ensure the new capabilities are ready for operational integration into the GFS system.
Term Appointment: This position is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension, funding permitted.
Work Location Expectations: This position offers in-person, hybrid (3 days on-site/2 days remote), or fully remote options. On-site and hybrid roles are based in Boulder, CO or College Park, MD. UCAR requires all work to be performed within the U.S. (excluding U.S. Territories). Staff deployed to federal agencies must follow that agency's specific remote/flexible work policies.
Visa Sponsorship Note: Due to this project's time restraints, as well as this position requiring a federal screen in addition to a UCAR background check, visa sponsorship can be considered only for candidates who have already passed a National Weather Service (NWS) background check.
- Cover Letter, Resume/CV
For full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.
Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.
UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
- Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
- Time Off Plans
- Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
- 10 paid holidays
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- FAMLI Leave
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.
For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.
While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.
All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.
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